As New York State and areas across the country begin to relax travel, wedding and event restrictions, the Centers for Disease Control and public health experts are recommending (and in some cases requiring) asymptomatic COVID-19 testing to limit the spread of COVID-19.
There are plenty of circumstances in which you might need or want a COVID-19 test when asymptomatic. Proof of a negative COVID-19 test may be necessary to attend an event, or you may prefer to have such results before visiting with a loved one. Here are some events and occasions in which you may need asymptomatic testing:
As of March 15, 2021, weddings and other catered events resumed statewide at 50 percent capacity with no more than 150 people per event. All wedding guests must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or be tested for COVID-19 prior to the event, regardless of the number of attendees.
Beginning March 22, 2021, updated New York State guidelines on other large gatherings and events took effect. Events, arts, and entertainment venues have reopened at 33 percent capacity, or up to 100 people indoors and 200 people outdoors.
If all attendees present proof of a negative test prior to entry, capacity can increase to a limit of 150 people indoors and 500 people outdoors. Social distancing and face coverings are required for all attendees, along with strict adherence to all applicable Department of Health guidance.
All travelers entering New York from another U.S. state or from international travel must fill out the Traveler Health Form, monitor symptoms for 14 days, and immediately self-isolate if any symptoms develop.
Learn more about the New York State COVID-19 Travel Advisory.
New York Forward offers reopening guidelines for businesses based on regions and offers industry-specific guidance on how to safely operate. Testing is not required for most non-healthcare industries, however, an employer may choose to incorporate COVID-19 testing as a return-to-work process.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) offers guidance on how COVID-19 testing “may be incorporated” into an approach to reduce transmission in non-healthcare workplaces, along with other recommendations for return-to-work processes.