**NEW COVID INFORMATION**

TRAVEL GUIDLINES FOR NEW YORK:

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced new guidelines allowing travelers to New York to “test out” of the mandatory 10-day quarantine for asymptomatic individuals. Travelers from states that are contiguous with New York are exempt from the travel advisory; however covered travelers must continue to fill out the Traveler Health Form. Essential workers will continue to be exempt as well. The guidance also applies to any person who has traveled to CDC Levels 2 and higher Health Notice country under the COVID risk assessment.

For any traveler to New York State from a noncontiguous state, US territory or CDC level 2 and higher country, the new guidelines for travelers to test-out of the mandatory 10-day quarantine are below:

·  For travelers who were out-of-state for more than 24 hours:

o  Travelers must obtain a test within three days of departure, prior to arrival in New York.

o  The traveler must, upon arrival in New York, quarantine for three days.

o  On day 4 of their quarantine, the traveler must obtain another COVID test. If both tests comes back negative, the traveler may exit quarantine early upon receipt of the second negative diagnostic test.
 

·  For travelers who were out-of-state for less than 24 hours:
 

o  The traveler does not need a test prior to their departure from the other state, and does not need to quarantine upon arrival in New York State.

o  However, the traveler must fill out our traveler form upon entry into New York State, and take a COVID diagnostic test 4 days after their arrival in New York.

The local health department must make contact with the state the traveler came from, to ensure contact tracing proceeds there as well. All travelers must continue to fill out our traveler form upon arrival into New York State to contribute to New York State’s robust contact tracing program.

The travel guidelines require all New Yorkers, as well as those visiting from out-of-state, to take personal responsibility for compliance in the best interest of public health and safety.

For general inquires contact the call the Hotline: 1-888-364-3065 or Ask a Question.

To file a report of an individual failing to adhere to the quarantine pursuant to the travel guidelines click here or call 1-833-789-0470.

Individuals may also contact their local department of health.

Dear Families, Employees and Friends: 

We are delighted to welcome everyone back to Kulanu!  Through the well-planned efforts of our re-opening committees, our school and OPWDD programs are operating on-site with employees and participants maintaining safety protocols.  The time it takes to fill out the morning questionnaire, or the evening’s tracing of everyone’s whereabouts are a small inconvenience as we work to keep everyone safe. Masks may not be comfortable, but they are one of the most critical components of our safety protocols- wear them. 

The next several weeks will test our systems and your compliance.  We continue to rely on Kulanu employees and our families to accurately report any possible encounter with someone exposed to COVID-19.  As we celebrate the New Year and perhaps spend more time with individuals “outside” our immediate circle, risk factors increase. It is easy to become complacent when we are in a communal environment. PLEASE- for the health and well-being of every participant and employee- keep up the good work:

- Wear your mask! (If you need a Kulanu mask, just let your program leader know)

- Maintain social distancing

- Wash your hands

- Stay home if you are not well

- Remember there is a 14-day quarantine should you travel to a state or area noted under the travel advisory https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory

Kulanu, “ALL OF US TOGETHER”,  can keep everyone safe and healthy during 2020-21 . We look forward to a happy, productive and HEALTHY New Year!

Dr. Beth Raskin

Executive Director