New York, Connecticut Mull Reissuing COVID-19 Travel Restrictions

Governors warn of potential fines and quarantine requirements as cases surge in the region.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 5:05pm

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As COVID-19 cases spike in New York, Connecticut, and other nearby states, governors are hinting at the possibility of reinstating strict travel restrictions similar to those enacted at the height of the pandemic in 2020. This could include mandatory quarantines and hefty fines for violators traveling to and from affected areas.

Why it matters

The potential return of travel restrictions would significantly impact residents and businesses in the region, disrupting travel plans and commerce. It also raises questions about the balance between public health measures and individual freedoms as states grapple with the ongoing pandemic.

The details

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont said he is considering new travel restrictions and plans to consult with neighboring governors like New York's Andrew Cuomo. In 2020, New York had imposed a joint travel advisory with New Jersey and Connecticut, requiring 14-day quarantines for travelers from states with high COVID-19 rates. Violators faced fines of up to $10,000. Cuomo has not yet announced any new restrictions but warned that another health emergency declaration is possible if cases continue to surge.

  • In June 2020, Cuomo announced a joint travel advisory with New Jersey and Connecticut.
  • By October 2020, New Yorkers were told they would face fines if they traveled to nearly 85 percent of the U.S.

The players

Ned Lamont

The governor of Connecticut who is considering reinstating travel restrictions.

Andrew Cuomo

The governor of New York who previously implemented strict travel rules and is warning of potential new restrictions.

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What they’re saying

“I've got to talk to my neighboring governors. We're looking at what's going on in those states in the south that are much more infected than we are. It's probably not a really good week to go to Missouri or Arkansas I'd probably skip Florida as well.”

— Ned Lamont, Governor of Connecticut (wearedanbury.com)

“On Tuesday, Gov. Cuomo said he's not ready to announce any new COVID restrictions. But he did say if the number of infections continues to skyrocket he would be forced to declare another health emergency.”

— Andrew Cuomo, Governor of New York (wearedanbury.com)

What’s next

Governors Lamont and Cuomo plan to coordinate with each other and neighboring states in the coming days to determine if and when to reinstate travel restrictions.

The takeaway

The potential return of strict travel rules in the Northeast highlights the ongoing challenges states face in balancing public health concerns with economic and personal freedoms as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve.