Is the Erie County Travel Ban Still in Effect?
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has made it necessary for governments to ban certain activities, including travel. One such ban was issued by Erie County in New York State, restricting non-essential travel within the county. But with the pandemic still ongoing, is this travel ban still in effect?
To answer this question, one must first look at the original travel ban. It was issued by Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz on March 15, 2020, and it was designed to restrict non-essential travel within the county. This ban was designed to help limit the spread of the virus and to ensure that resources were allocated to the areas where they were needed most. This ban was initially set to last until April 4, but it was eventually extended until April 20.
While the original ban has expired, it does not mean that travel within the county is unrestricted. In fact, the Erie County Department of Health has issued a number of safety measures that are still in effect, including directives against large gatherings, the closure of certain businesses, and the wearing of face masks in public places. The department also recommends limiting travel to essential trips only.
What Is Considered an Essential Trip?
Essential trips are those that are necessary for health and safety, as well as those that are necessary for work. This includes trips to the grocery store, pharmacy, doctor's office, or other essential businesses. It also includes trips to care for a family member or friend. However, it does not include trips for leisure or recreational purposes.
The Erie County Department of Health also recommends that essential travelers limit their contact with others and maintain social distancing guidelines. This includes avoiding large gatherings and staying at least 6 feet away from anyone who is not a part of your household. Additionally, travelers are urged to wear face masks, wash their hands frequently, and avoid touching their faces.
What About Out-of-State Travel?
The Erie County travel ban does not apply to out-of-state travel, but the New York State Department of Health does recommend avoiding non-essential travel. This includes trips to visit family and friends, as well as leisure or recreational trips. It is also recommended that anyone who does travel out-of-state should self-quarantine for 14 days upon returning to New York State.
Conclusion
The original Erie County travel ban has expired, but there are still safety measures in place that are designed to limit the spread of COVID-19. The Erie County Department of Health recommends limiting travel to only essential trips, as well as avoiding large gatherings and practicing social distancing. The department also recommends avoiding non-essential out-of-state travel. By following these recommendations, we can help keep our communities safe and healthy.
We hope this article has answered your questions about whether the Erie County travel ban is still in effect. For more information on COVID-19 safety measures, please visit the Erie County Department of Health website. Thank you for taking the time to read this article and stay safe!