If you follow me on Instagram, you would’ve seen clips of my travels to Florida earlier this year. My sister turned the big 30 so I decided last minute to take the trip and surprise her. Since COVID-19 has disrupted the world as we know it, so many of us fear traveling which I totally understand. I myself was very reluctant to even consider going out of the country but since the pandemic isn’t going away anytime soon, I understand the urge of my fellow wanderlust to hop on a plane and catch some sun especially after the endless snow storms we’ve experienced this past winter. Here’s how my trip went:
I flew from Laguardia Airport to Orlando. As you would imagine,
- Masks were required. I added a face shield though not mandatory. It can only be worn in addition to wearing a mask; not by itself.
- Sanitizing stations with wipes and hand sanitizers were placed throughout the airport.
- Individually wrapped sanitizing wipes were provided by the airline at the gate before boarding.
- Refreshments (snacks, water and cold drinks) are served as usual but no hot tea / coffee or alcoholic beverages are provided.
While In Florida, I traveled on a bus from Orlando to Miami
- Social distancing in the bus station was required. It’s a big enough station that folks were at least 6 feet away from the next person.
- Temperature check happened before boarding. That really put me at ease.
- Passengers remained distanced while on the bus. Although seats weren’t assigned, everyone consciously selected seats that weren’t near others.
- Everyone was required to wear masks during the entirety of the trip. I fell asleep the whole time and was still able to keep my mask on.
While in Miami, everyone I saw out in public was wearing masks. I flew back from Fort Lauderdale airport to JFK…
- FL had no particular quarantine requirements upon landing but there were strict requirements when landing in NY.
- There’s a Traveler Health Form to be filled out 24 hours before your flight. This form was sent to me by Jetblue and I simply had to click a link to fill it out. As per the NYS Department of Health “All travelers coming to NYS from areas beyond the border states (NJ, CT, PA, MA, VT) or internationally must fill out this form. Travelers that are asymptomatic must quarantine for 10 days from the last day in a non-border state or another country, unless the traveler meets certain criteria.”
- As of April 1st, 2021, the governor has announced that it will no longer be mandatory for domestic travelers to quarantine but it is recommended. Only passengers who traveled internationally will be required to quarantine.
- To avoid quarantining for the entire 10 day period, you should take a COVID-19 test within three days of departure, prior to arrival in New York. Upon your arrival in New York, you’re required to quarantine for 3 days before obtaining a second COVID test on day 4 of quarantine. As per NYS, “If both tests comes back negative, the traveler may exit quarantine early upon receipt of the second negative diagnostic test. Travelers who do not obtain a test prior to arrival in New York and/or on the 4th day in New York, must quarantine for 10 days.”
- I received 3 phone calls the week after my trip to ensure that I was quarantining as required. I have heard of someone who traveled internationally who had an unexpected visit to their home during their quarantine period to ensure they’re abiding by the rules. Fines are applicable if you’re not home.
All and all, the rules are changing each passing day and different requirements are being put in place for those who have been vaccinated. So before you travel, do your research and make sure that you can allow enough time to quarantine before having to return to work. Are you planning on traveling this summer? No matter what you choose to do, be safe!
ABOUT THE LOOK
These pants are so luxurious. I am obsessed with the fabric, style and color. It was part of a limited collaboration with Amazon The Drop x Signed Blake so it isn’t available. This black version is nice and I also love this taupe cargo option with the ankle tie strap. A similar bow blouse is available here and a more affordable one is available here in 4 colors. These mules would be perfect to finish the look.
