Know Before You Go: What to Make of the New Tri-State Travel Advisory
While New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut have each flattened the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) curve in their respective states, many others have experienced a worrisome spike in cases. That’s why the governors in our tri-state region have jointly imposed new restrictions that place you in quarantine for 14 days upon your return from any states where the virus is still spreading.
Before you make travel plans, be sure to check the latest updates on states where restricted travel could mean needing to quarantine upon your return. Know before you go!
The states to avoid (as of this writing) are mostly a plane trip or long car ride away from Einstein—in the South, Southwest, West, or Midwest—with the exception of Delaware, just hours south along the Eastern seaboard. That’s why it’s important to check the New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut COVID-19 travel advisory websites for the complete and frequently changing list of “high-risk” states that will require quarantine if one travels there and then comes to the tri-state area.
When You Visit a High-Risk State
If you feel you must keep your travel plans, the following can be helpful to keep in mind.
- While traveling, if you merely pass through a state deemed “high risk”—for example, you pause at a rest stop or to refuel, or you have a plane, train, or bus layover of less than 24 hours—you won’t have to quarantine.
- If your stay in a high-risk state is 24 hours or longer, a two-week absence from Einstein will be required upon your return.
- If you must quarantine, working remotely may be an option for you, allowing you to continue working even though you won’t be able to come into the office. You should discuss this with your supervisor.
- If you can’t work from home, you’ll likely need to cover your quarantine time with personal and/or vacation days, since sick days apply only if you’re actually sick.
“If you’re not certain what your best option may be, speak with your department head and human resources,” said Robert Cancellieri, director of employee relations. “To work remotely, you’ll need to complete our COVID-19: Temporary Flexible Work Arrangement Request form, which can be found on the COVID-19 website.”
He added, “New York State residents traveling to a high-risk state should also be aware that they will lose benefits from New York’s COVID-19 paid sick leave law unless their trip was essential and not for personal reasons.”
Each state’s advisory website explains more about what’s essential and what’s not, so be sure to review the site for where you reside.
Or Just Stay Home
Pandemic safety measures such as quarantines help prevent disease but also can put your productivity on hold. The best medicine in these difficult times is prevention.
To avoid bringing back a contagious souvenir from a COVID-19 hot zone—and to protect your health and prevent a pause in your professional progress—“follow Einstein’s travel policy and avoid non-essential trips,” advised Yvonne Ramirez, vice president of human resources.
It’s for your own health, the health of those around you, and Einstein’s too.
Posted on: Tuesday, July 14, 2020