Good Question: Why we still have to fill out the NYS travel form

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — It’s a big deal.

Starting April 1, we know many of the strictest rules for leaving and coming back to New York are going away. But, there’s still one thing you’ll have to do.

When Governor Andrew Cuomo made the announcement to drop the quarantine mandates for domestic travel next month, he left one key requirement in place. It’s right on the press release–"All travelers must continue to fill out the traveler health form."

If the state isn’t forcing you to stay home after a trip or making you test-out of quarantine, why do you have to fill out that form when you get back?

News10NBC’s Brennan Somers heard that Good Question recently, so he got on the phone with the governor’s team. A spokesperson told Somers this is all about contact tracing. They still want to know where you’ve been and how to reach you for any follow-ups to see how you’re doing.

Besides filling out the form, travelers are still encouraged to watch for any symptoms for two weeks after getting back. They want you to quarantine if you can just as an added precaution.

State officials also say you need to follow all other safety guidelines when out in public. The mandatory quarantine rules are not changing yet for international trips.

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