Coronavirus in New York

This page contains up to date information about the coronavirus in New York, also known as COVID-19. Currently, there is a travel warning for the United States for tourists and a travel ban to New York from European countries. There’s no end date for this ban known yet. This page is updated daily, so as soon as this situation changes, you’ll read it here. 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 23rd 2021)
At the start of the pandemic, New York was one of the hardest hit cities in the US. The city was in lockdown for over two months in an attempt to stop the virus. This has been relatively successful, New York is currently one of the places with the lowest infection rate. But of course, the virus is still lurking, and various measures are still in place to prevent a new spread as much as possible. In the table below you find all up to date info about the New York attractions and the measurements they are taking.
Up to date information | |
Major attractions | |
Empire State Building | Open daily from 11:00 to 23:00. Timed reservation required, also with a discount pass. |
Top of the Rock | Open daily from 13:00 to 21:00. |
One World Observatory | Open Saturdays and Sundays and some extra days. |
Edge Observation Deck | Open daily from 12:00 to 20:00. |
Statue of Liberty | Open. Outside areas and museum open. |
Ellis Island | Open |
The Vessel | Open daily from 11:00 to 19:00. |
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. Timed-entry ticket required. |
Circle Line Cruises | Closed for the winter, will reopen in the spring. |
Grand Central Terminal | Open |
9/11 Memorial | Open daily from 13:00 to 20:00, designated entrance and exit locations. |
Zoos & New York Aquarium | Open |
Madame Tussauds | Open Wednesday through Sunday from 11:00 to 16:00 |
Holidays | |
The Rink at Bryant Park | Open Skating needs to be booked per timed session. |
Hop-on Hop-off Buses | |
Big Bus | Only Uptown and Downtown loops, running as a continuous circuit |
Major Museums | |
MoMA | Open |
The Met | Open |
American Museum of Natural History | Open |
Guggenheim | Open |
9/11 Museum | Open |
Sports | |
NBA (New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets) | Continued without audience |
MLB (New York Yankees, New York Mets) | Continued without audience |
NHL (New York Rangers) | Continued without audience |
Performances | |
Broadway | Reopening May 31 |
New York City Ballet | Fall season and The Nutcracker cancelled |
The Metropolitan Opera | 20-21 season cancelled |
Public transportation | Regular schedule, subway closed for cleaning between 1:00 and 5:00 |
Shops | |
Macy's | Open |
Woodbury Common | Open |
Empire Outlets | Open |
Restaurants | Indoor dining banned. Outdoor dining allowed. |
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 a 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.
The current situation can also provide unexpected benefits. For those who dare to take a gamble, there are now cheapest New York deals available.
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? Then contact a local doctor. Your hotel can help you with this.
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?