COVID-19 Information for Visitors
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information and Resources
Area accommodations are ready to welcome you back during NY Forward. As we prepare for the re-opening of our community in phases, it is important to share that all visitors and residents must wear masks or face coverings in public, unless medically unable to do so, per the directive from Governor Cuomo. To keep all of us safe, we ask that you practice safe social distancing (at least 6 feet/2 meters) between other parties and your hosts in our community. Following a New York State Department of Health update to emergency regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic, Tompkins County is now ordering businesses and building owners to deny entry to people who are not wearing masks.
Ithaca and Tompkins County has moved into Phase 4 of reopening as defined by New York State, as of June 26, 2020.
Travel Advisory for people coming to New York (you must check this list before planning a visit to NY from another state): Based upon Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order, if you have traveled from within one of the designated states with significant community spread, you must quarantine when you enter New York for 14 days from the last travel within such designated state, provided on the date you enter into New York State that such state met the criteria for requiring such quarantine.The requirements of the travel advisory do not apply to any individual passing through designated states for a limited duration (i.e., less than 24 hours) through the course of travel.
See current list of restricted states here: coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory
We know each phase of reopening is not uniform across the United States. Please keep in mind that our state is opening in phases, so it is wise to verify your chosen location is open prior to leaving home. Phase 4 includes Low-Risk Outdoor Arts & Entertainment (at 33% capacity) and Indoor Arts & Entertainment (at 25% capacity). Some business that anticipated to open in Phase 4 will NOT be allowed to resume operations because NYS is conducting additional studies on these industries as it pertains to virus transmission, this includes: movie theaters, bowling alleys, casinos and malls, which will all remain closed. Phase 3 in NYS included many of your favorite places like our parks, waterfalls, trails, shops and restaurants. Many events are still taking place virtually. O All have submitted a safety plan to ensure the health of our residents and, you our special guests.
Our famous Ithaca Farmers Market is also open, but with new rules to safely enjoy it.
We will continue to provide updates as more of our community reopens in each phase, clarifying what that phase means in our state. Thanks to the thoughtful actions of our residents, Ithaca and Tompkins County has remained a healthy place throughout this pandemic. We invite you to share our culture and look forward to welcoming you for a safe visit.
For those taking advantage of the beautiful open-air spaces provided by our NY State Parks, please take note of the safety updates provided here: parks.ny.gov/covid19
Dining in Ithaca
Many establishments continue to offer takeout or delivery during the period of transition. Some may require a reservation. Be sure to confirm before going to a restaurant, often their Facebook pages will have the most up to date information.
- Restaurants are now able to open for outdoor service and indoor service at reduced capacity. Social distancing guidelines will still apply. Please understand our dining establishments are adjusting to new operations during this transition
- N Aurora Street in downtown Ithaca has closed to allow for additional outdoor dining space.
- Please check the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail's dedicated page for winery service updates in response to COVID-19.
- You can access the latest information & guidance regarding Coronavirus updates across New York state from the NY State Department of Health website.
- The Tompkins County Health Department (TCHD) is the lead agency managing our community response. You can reference updates from the Tompkins County Health Department website
All area colleges and universities have temporarily canceled public tours and admitted student events.
For official responses and updates regarding Ithaca and Tompkins County and our higher education communities please reference the following websites:
Events
Our dynamic, creative community remains strong. In the spirit of proactive measures, large events have been postponed or canceled at this time. As rescheduled event dates are announced, Visit Ithaca will share those dates with all. For many events, previously purchased tickets will remain valid for future show dates. The Ithaca Events calendar will remain a resource for future events and rescheduled dates when the information becomes available.
- Rotary cancels July 4th fireworks show
- The Ithaca Festival of the Arts has been cancelled, after initially postponed
- Ithaca's Annual Reggae Festival is postponed until 2021
- The 30th Annual GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance has been postponed until 2021
Visitor Centers
The Taughannock Overlook Visitor Center is now open | Hours of Operation: Thursday through Monday, 10am-5pm.
The East Shore Drive Visitor Center and Downtown Visitor Center remain closed.
We are still available by phone and fulfilling requests to receive travel guides by mail.
The self-serve information lobby at East Shore Drive will remain open with access to area guides and maps. Currently, our Visitor Experience Team will remain available to webchat, email, and phone from 9am-5pm Monday through Friday.
Visit Ithaca Virtually, Wherever You Are
There are many online resources that can bring the beauty of Ithaca and Tompkins County into your home. Sprinkled throughout our site, you'll find links to inspiring YouTube videos, drone footage of waterfalls, online learning opportunities, virtual tours, and podcasts. Visit Ithaca from home today, and we'll see you here when the time is right in the future!
- Ithaca Waterfalls
- Outdoor Recreation
- Colleges & Universities
- Ithaca Discovery Trail
- Health & Wellness
- Ithaca Cider & Cideries
- Cayuga Lake
Information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regarding 'Coronavirus and Travel in the United States' is viewable here.
The CDC's recommendations for practicing necessary hygiene include:
- Wash hands frequently for at least 20 seconds
- Clean hands upon entering a new room or after touching shared surfaces
- Maintain social distance and do not shake hands
- When possible, keep spaces open and well-ventilated
- Avoid touching face, eyes, nose with unwashed hands
- Stay home if feeling sick
