Coronavirus in New York
The situation of the coronavirus in New York is changing daily. This page contains up to date information about the COVID-19 situation and regulations in New York. Which sights in New York are open and what are the possible adjustments? Below you’ll find an overview of the current situation in New York.
Eric's Index
Current status COVID-19 in New York (last updated on: January 21st 2022)
The situation of the coronavirus in New York is comparable with the situation in the UK. Due to the Omicron variant and to fight the winter surge, testing in New York is increased. Vaccinated people no longer have to wear a mask outside and do not have to keep their distance from each other. However, it is strongly recommended to wear a mask inside, even if you are vaccinated. A lot of New Yorkers do this. I see also a lot of stores are requesting customers to wear their masks. Therefore always bring a mask with you. In public transport, everyone must wear a face mask.
For indoor dining and entertainment in New York, such as concert venues, museums and observation decks, everyone 12 years and older is required to show proof of full vaccination. You’re fully vaccinated 2 weeks after your second dose of the Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Covishield, BIBP/Sinopharm, or Sinovac vaccine, after the single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, or after any “mix-and-match” combination. Your official vaccination record must include your personal and vaccination details. Children between the age of 5 and 11 are required to show proof of vaccination with at least one dose of a WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccine.
New regulations from January 28th, 2022: children ages 5 to 11 must also show proof of full vaccination for indoor dining and entertainment.
| Up to date information | |
| General rules | |
| Face masks | Masks are mandatory in public transportation and many indoor places. Also children under 12 need to wear a mask in most indoor settings. |
| Vaccination required to travel to the USA | Yes, a WHO approved vaccination is required for everyone 18 years and older. |
| COVID-19 test required to travel to the USA | Yes, COVID test is required for everyone 2 years and older. COVID test cannot be older than 24 hours. |
| Vaccine mandate | People 5 and older must show proof of vaccination for indoor dining and entertainment. This includes indoor venues like restaurants, bars, nightclubs, cafes, fast food, theatres, venues, museums, zoos and sports arenas. |
| Public transportation | Regular schedule. Masks are required for everyone when riding public transportation. |
| Major attractions | |
| Empire State Building | Open daily Timed reservation required, also with a discount pass. |
| Top of the Rock | Open daily |
| One World Observatory | Open daily , check here. |
| Edge Observation Deck | Open daily |
| Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island | Open. Outside areas and museum open. |
| Central Park | Open |
| Governors Island | Open. Timed-entry ticket required. |
| Bike rentals and tours | Open. Tours in small groups, mouth masks required. |
| High Line Park | Open |
| Circle Line Cruises | Open |
| Grand Central Terminal | Open |
| 9/11 Memorial | Open daily designated entrance and exit locations. |
| Zoos & New York Aquarium | Open |
| Madame Tussauds | Open |
| Hop-on Hop-off Buses | |
| Big Bus | Only Uptown and Downtown loops |
| Major Museums | |
| MoMA | Open daily |
| The Met | Open most days |
| American Museum of Natural History | Open most days Timed reservation required, also with a discount pass. |
| Guggenheim | Open most days |
| 9/11 Museum | Open most days |
| Sports | |
| MLB (New York Yankees, New York Mets) | Proof of a negative COVID-19 test or full COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required. |
| NBA (New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets) | Limited capacity and regulations in place. Full COVID-19 vaccination required. |
| NHL (New York Rangers) | Limited capacity and regulations in place. Full COVID-19 vaccination required. |
| NFL (New York Giants, New York Jets) | Proof of a negative COVID-19 test or full COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required. |
| Performances | |
| Broadway | Full COVID-19 vaccination required. Everyone in your party needs to bring identification. |
| New York City Ballet | Full COVID-19 vaccination required. Everyone in your party needs to bring identification. |
| The Metropolitan Opera | Full COVID-19 vaccination required. A booster shot is required for all those eligible to receive it. |
| Shops | |
| Macy's | Open |
| Woodbury Common | Open |
| Empire Outlets | Open |
| Restaurants | Indoor dining: full vaccination required for everyone ages 12 and up, and 1 dose required for children 5 to 11. Outdoor dining: no requirements. Full capacity. |
If you’re planning to book a trip to New York during COVID-19 but are unsure if the trip can actually take place, I recommend that you include some securities. For example, when purchasing the discount passes Sightseeing Flex and Sightseeing Day Pass, you can add cancellation insurance for a small percentage of the order amount. You can then cancel the passes free of charge. When purchasing Broadway tickets through my site you can opt for flex tickets. This allows you to cancel or rebook free of charge up to ten days before the show. To avoid public transport you can take a taxi service from and to JFK, Newark and LGA airport. Reserve your transfer to New York in advance, to make sure that your preferred transfer is booked. For the most up-to-date information about your flights to and from New York, it is best to contact your airline.
If you are in New York and you have questions about the coronavirus, call 311 from a landline. This is the general information number for the city of New York. Do you feel sick or are you worried about certain symptoms? If you need to do a COVID-19 test in New York, you can do this at dozens of places in the city for free.
COVID test before departure to New York
At the moment proof of a negative COVID test is required to travel to New York. This must be taken within 24 hours before departure to New York. You can book your PCR Fit to Fly test in advance, the prices are starting at £59.00 here. There are multiple locations throughout the country and at the airports.
Do I need to get a corona test for New York?
Can I visit attractions in New York during COVID-19?
Am I insured if I get corona in New York?
Do I need to quarantine during or after my New York trip?
