Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
NYC Mayor Advises All New Yorkers, Travelers To Get COVID Tests Before Thanksgiving Gatherings
By
Elizabeth Kim
Published Nov 17, 2021
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office
By
Elizabeth Kim
Published Nov 17, 2021
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Mayor Bill de Blasio on Wednesday urged all New Yorkers, regardless of vaccination status, to take COVID-19 tests in advance of holiday gatherings and travel -- part of what his health officials called a "layered approach" to fight the pandemic as daily cases start to climb again.
"Testing is one of the ways we win this battle," de Blasio said, during a morning press briefing in Brooklyn.
In addition, travelers should also get tested before they return home to reduce the chances of seeding outbreaks in the city, said Dr. Ted Long, the head of the Test and Trace corps who joined the mayor via Zoom.
The guidance, reminiscent of one from last year when vaccinations were not yet available, suggests that health officials are worried about a winter surge. The mayor's push to get people tested comes days after the city issued a health order that allows all city residents over 18 to qualify for booster shots.
New York City is now seeing on average of more than 1,100 cases a day, up from around 830 daily cases at the end of October. As many as 100,000 people are now getting tested each day, which rivals the levels from the peak of the second wave, Long said. During that period last winter, lines at testing sites snaked around city blocks as people scrambled to get screened before visiting family and friends. At the time, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo ordered New York residents to take a COVID-19 test both before traveling to and days after arriving in New York.
As part of the renewed focus, the city will double the number of mobile testing sites to 70 vans.
The city's health commissioner, Dr. Dave Chokshi, said that gatherings with only vaccinated individuals could significantly lower the risk of contracting the coronavirus. "Those are the safest types of gatherings that people can have over the holidays," he said. But Chokshi said testing is an extra precaution, especially when groups of people are traveling to events.
Long said Wednesday's testing guidance was "particularly relevant for unvaccinated people." He added, however, "but for everyone, we want to control this virus to keep our city safe."
Elected officials have been balancing the need for precautions against public weariness from mask-wearing and other protections. On Tuesday, Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a tweet that should New York avoid a holiday surge, she would direct her health department to look into loosening restrictions at schools.
Asked about the governor's comments, de Blasio warned against making any premature decisions.
"Don’t count your chickens before they’re hatched," he said.
Tagged
testing
COVID-19
new york city
mayor bill de blasio
thanksgiving
new york
holidays
Elizabeth Kim
Elizabeth Kim is a reporter on the People and Power desk who covers mayoral power. She previously covered the pandemic, housing, redevelopment and public spaces. A native of Queens, she speaks fluent Mandarin. Got a tip? Email [email protected]
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
MTA should eliminate some jobs to prepare for budget woes, watchdog writes
The Citizens Budget Commission suggested eliminating one crew member from trains that are fully automated.
By
Stephen Nessen
Published Nov 2, 2026 at 12:05 a.m. ET
NYC Council to scrutinize snow removal plans as winter approaches
Lawmakers will review the city's preparations and consider a bill requiring the city to publish historical snowplowing records.
By
Catalina Gonella
News
NYC Council to scrutinize snow removal plans as winter approaches
Lawmakers will review the city's preparations and consider a bill requiring the city to publish historical snowplowing records.
By
Catalina Gonella
'The best day of the year': Inside Clinton Hill's 'mile nine' NYC marathon party
By
Stephanie Keith
November has 3 meteor showers and the best chance to see Uranus
By
Rosemary Misdary
A 'beautiful' day for a marathon, as runners, spectators pack NYC streets
By
Walter Wuthmann
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .