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

Connecticut’s travel advisory affects everyone in the West Hartford community and surrounding towns

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, we suggest you follow the self-quarantine guideline before returning to Connecticut. There is no excuse to be traveling unless it is necessary.

So does this mean I can’t visit out-of-state family and friends?

We know it’s hard to not see family and friends during this time, but avoiding them can help them in many ways. This is because the virus can affect people differently. For some it can be fatal and we can’t predict how someone will feel versus how someone will feel. If your friends and family are in one of the affected states mentioned in the travel advisory, we advise you to 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 for 14 days.

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

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 isolate 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 we get tested for COVID-19 instead of staying home for 14 days?

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

• Test negative for COVID-19 in the seventy-two (72) hours prior to arriving in Connecticut
• Provide documentation with their test results to the Commissioner of Public Health via email to: DPH.COVID-Travel@ct.gov or via facsimile to: (860) 326-0529.
• Remain in self-quarantine in Connecticut until the test result is received within that 72 hour window.
• 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, we advise that he or she seek medical assistance.
• Travelers who test positive for COVID-19 prior to traveling to Connecticut should try to delay such travel and consult with a medical professional.

I’m traveling to CT. Can I get tested for COVID-19?

Per the travel advisory we advise that you self quarantine for 14 days prior to a test.

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

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

What if I travel to NY and then to CT?  Do I still have to 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 students when going back to 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 West Hartford can help test people returning to the state

AFC Urgent Care West Hartford is here for our West Hartford community and can perform COVID-19 testing for folks returning to Connecticut. We are located on 1030 Boulevard and are open 7 days a week. You can test you for the active COVID-19 virus at our center with no appointment necessary. Please check with your insurance provider as some insurers may require a copayment for testing.  If you are traveling from an affected state, you can also call ahead at 860-986-6440 for testing at our location. We will call you with the results, and if you test negative, we will provide the necessary documentation to provide 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: returntoworkCT@afcurgentcare.com to learn more!