covid-19-travel-guidelines-for-people-returning-to-connecticut-afc-urgent-care-danbury

COVID-19 Travel Guidelines For People Returning to Connecticut

ATTENTION AFC PATIENTS In Danbury Connecticut

Per the Regional Travel Advisory

(Connecticut, New York and New Jersey)

Anyone coming from states with a significant Community spread of COVID-19 is directed to SELF-QUARANTINE for 14 days that starts from the time one arrives in CT, NY and NJ. 

With so many questions and uncertainties about traveling in and out of Connecticut, AFC Urgent Care Danbury has answers for the residents of the Danbury community and how they can stay safe from COVID-19. Here is updated information on what Greater Danbury residents should know about Connecticut’s NEW Travel guidelines:

    As of December 8, 2020, the following locations meet the criteria and are included in Connecticut’s travel advisory. They are:

    1. Alabama
    2. Alaska
    3. Arizona
    4. Arkansas
    5. California
    6. Colorado
    7. Delaware
    8. Florida
    9. Georgia
    10. Guam
    11. Idaho
    12. Illinois
    13. Indiana
    14. Iowa
    15. Kansas
    16. Kentucky
    17. Louisiana
    18. Maine
    19. Maryland
    20. Massachusetts
    21. Michigan
    22. Minnesota
    23. Mississippi
    24. Missouri
    25. Montana
    26. Nebraska
    27. Nevada
    28. New Hampshire
    29. New Mexico
    30. North Carolina
    31. North Dakota
    32. Ohio
    33. Oklahoma
    34. Oregon
    35. Pennsylvania
    36. Puerto Rico
    37. South Carolina
    38. South Dakota
    39. Tennessee
    40. Texas
    41. Utah
    42. Vermont
    43. Virgin Islands
    44. Virginia
    45. Washington
    46. West Virginia
    47. Wisconsin
    48. Wyoming

**This list will be updated on a regular basis as the situation develops across the country.

Who does the travel advisory affect in Greater Danbury, Connecticut? 

The travel advisory applies to everyone when it comes to non-essential and essential travel. If you are traveling and spend longer than 24 hours in an affected state, you should follow the CDC’s self-quarantine guideline before returning to Connecticut.

Can I still visit friends and family while these travel restrictions are in place?

If your friends and family are in one of the affected states mentioned in the travel advisory, we suggest that you refrain from traveling unless necessary. We urge you not to travel so that we can reduce the spread of COVID-19.  If friends or family are visiting you from another state that is affected, the state of Connecticut recommends that you and your guests self-quarantine at your house.

What if I just drove or flew through one of the restricted states?

Some of you may be wondering if you still have to quarantine if you travel to an affected state. The answer depends on your circumstance.

For instance, essential travel does have some exemptions when it comes to traveling. If you fly and have a layover, you do not have to self-quarantine. As mentioned earlier, you only have to self-quarantine if you stay in an affected state for longer than 24 hours. 

There are also exemptions for essential workers that travel for government business. A worker will only have to self-quarantine if their travels are not work-related, such as vacations. If you drive through another state, you should practice social distancing and refrain from public interaction until you leave that state.

Does the state or local government where you live or at your destination require you to quarantine for 14 days after traveling?

If you plan on traveling, some states may require people to stay home for 14 days. Be prepared as your travel may be longer than expected.Before you go to any state in the U.S, it is best to check in with that specific state’s travel advisory for updated rules about traveling.

Can I get tested for COVID-19 instead of self-quarantining?

If travelers are unable to self-quarantine for the required fourteen (14) day period, we advise the traveler to follow these steps:

  1. Test negative for COVID-19 in the seventy-two (72) hours prior to arriving in Connecticut
  2. Provide documentation with their test results to the Commissioner of Public Health via email to: [email protected] or via facsimile to: (860) 326-0529.
  3. Remain in self-quarantine in Connecticut until the test result is received within that 72 hour window. 
  4. If the test result is positive and the traveler is asymptomatic, he or she shall self-isolate for ten (10) days from the date of the test; if symptomatic, he or she should seek medical assistance. 
  5. Travelers who test positive for COVID-19 prior to traveling to Connecticut should delay such travel and consult with a medical professional.

I’m traveling back to Connecticut. Can I get tested for COVID-19 there?

Per the travel advisory you must self quarantine for 14 days prior to a test.

What if I can’t self quarantine?  Can I make an appointment to get tested instead?

The Department of Public Health advises that If you cannot self quarantine, you can test prior to 72 hours before entering CT. Results can be reported to the Department of Public Health.

All visitors from affected states can fill out a travel contact tracing form: https://appengine.egov.com/apps/ct/DPH/Connecticut-Travel-Health-Form

If I travel to NY and then to CT must I quarantine for another 14 days?   

The self quarantine period begins when you enter NY, CT, and NJ. If you enter NY and have quarantined for 14 days then travel to CT you have fulfilled the requirement.

What are the requirements for college students resuming school in Connecticut this fall?

Universities and colleges are still working on their reopening plans for the fall. As most schools are planning to mix classroom time with distance learning, many  students and parents are concerned about the steps needed to resume school in Connecticut.

According to the Connecticut Higher Education Report, the state recommends students going to school in Connecticut must test negative for COVID-19, preferably 72 hours, but no later than 14 days in advance of moving into their dorm. Commuter students in Connecticut are not required to get testing for COVID-19, but should still take safety precautions if someone on campus does get the virus. We also suggest that they get tested prior to returning to campus as well.

The Connecticut Higher Education report suggests that out-of-state students get COVID-19 tests before they come to campus. They must test negative, and the test must be administered 72 hours prior, but no later than 14 days in advance of moving into their dorm room or, for non-residential students, when classes begin.

Students awaiting test results should follow quarantine rules before starting the school year. Also, the Connecticut Higher Education report suggests that students that are traveling from an affected state should prepare to be quarantined for 14 days before the first day of classes.

AFC Urgent Care Danbury can help test travelers for COVID-19.

AFC Urgent Care Danbury is here for the Greater Danbury community for COVID-19 testing. If you are traveling from an affected state, you can call ahead for testing at our location

  • 100 Mill Plain Rd. | 203-826-2600
  • 76c Newtown Rd. |  203-826-8434
  • 2 Main St. | 203-826-2140

You can test you for the active COVID-19 virus at our center with no appointment necessary***Disclaimer: Certain insurers may require a copayment.

We will call you with the results and provide necessary documentation if you test negative to public health officials to return to the public. Students are getting ready to return to school should reach out as we are here to help test for the active virus with quick results. 

Universities and Colleges can also reach out for our COVID-19 mobile testing option to help test students before and throughout the school year. You can reach us at: [email protected] to learn more!