1. Does this apply to students arriving from other States or foreign countries to attend college or university or boarding school?
- Yes. The travel advisory applies to all persons entering Massachusetts from any point of origin. Students should quarantine for 10 days if they cannot provide proof of a negative test result that meets the standards of the 72-hour test rule. In addition, any person traveling from a foreign country must comply with CDC requirements as a requirement of entry to the United States.
7. I had an antigen test which was negative, do I need to be tested again?
- Yes, a negative antigen test from any antigen test other than the Abbott BinaxNOW, must be confirmed by a negative result from an FDA EUA-approved molecular (PCR) SARS-CoV2 test on a sample obtained 72 hours or less prior to arrival in Massachusetts.
8. I am traveling with my children, I took a test and have my negative result. Do my kids need a test for COVID-19 as well?
- It depends on each child’s age. If your child is 10 or younger, then the child does not need a test. If the child is 11 or older, then the child should be tested or should quarantine for 10 days, consistent with the Travel Advisory.
10. I am a MA resident and I provide Critical Infrastructure Services. I plan to go on vacation to Florida with my family. Do I need to quarantine when I return home from Florida?
- Yes. Workers who travel from Massachusetts for personal or leisure reasons cannot rely on the Critical Infrastructure Worker exemption upon return. You are advised to quarantine or sto obtain a negative COVID-19 test consistent with the Travel Advisory. Your status as a Critical Infrastructure Worker does not exempt you from the terms of the Advisory—even to do that specialized work—following travel for personal or leisure reasons.
- Likewise, a Critical Infrastructure Worker who comes to Massachusetts for personal or leisure reasons cannot rely on the Critical Infrastructure Worker exemption upon arrival and should either quarantine or satisfy the testing rule.
11. I am dropping my child off at college in another state that is not considered lower risk. Do I need to quarantine when I come home?
- It depends. If a parent/guardian/family member is returning to Massachusetts after an absence of fewer than 24 hours, then the individual is exempt from the advisory. If the individual is staying overnight and will be out of state for more than 24 hours, then they should quarantine upon return or must meet the testing rule.
13. I am visiting traveling to Massachusetts to visit a friend or relative in Massachusetts. I plan to quarantine in my friend or relative’s home. Does the host need to quarantine as well?
- No. You should comply with the requirements for quarantining, including staying in a separate room from your host. However, your presence in your host's home does not require your host to quarantine.
14. I am traveling to MA, I previously had COVID-19, I isolated pursuant to CDC guidelines and was released from isolation, do I still need to quarantine or meet the testing rule?
- If you received a positive COVID-19 test result between 10 and 90 days ago and have completed the appropriate isolation period, you do not need to quarantine upon arrival to Massachusetts.
- If you received a positive COVID-19 test result or a diagnosis of COVID-19 more than 90 days prior to arrival in Massachusetts you should quarantine upon arrival or comply with the testing rule.
15. Can international travelers get tested in another country before arriving?
- Yes, provided that they take a molecular (PCR) SARS-CoV2 test that is authorized by their Government or an Abbott Binax test on a sample obtained 72 hours or less prior to arrival in Massachusetts. More information from the CDC here.
16. I am a MA resident and went on vacation. Can I get a test in my vacation destination 72 hours before I come home instead of quarantining for 10 days?
- Yes, provided the test meets the DPH specifications.
17. I am a MA resident and went on vacation. Can I get a test once I arrive home in Massachusetts?
- Yes. You can get tested once you arrive in Massachusetts. However, you should immediately begin the 10-day quarantine until you have received a negative test.
18. I am a MA resident and I am required to travel from MA at the direction of the Military. Do I need to quarantine when I come home?
- No. Massachusetts residents who go out of state for military work and then return to Massachusetts do not need to quarantine.
19. Are individuals entering the state for the purpose of running errands, like going to the grocery store or pharmacy, or attending family gatherings exempt from the advisory to quarantine?
- Yes, provided they are in the state for less than 24 hours.
- During such trips, travelers are instructed to wear face-coverings, maintain social distance, practice good hygiene, and adhere to all other COVID-19 rules and restrictions.
21. Are parents, guardians, and children urged to comply with the Travel Advisory if traveling for the purpose of managing shared custody of a child?
- Children who travel into and out of Massachusetts because of transfers of custody or visitation between parents or guardians are exempt from the quarantine advisory. Parents and guardians accompanying the child are exempt if they are in the state for less than 24 hours.
- 26. My child attends day care or day camp in MA or RI. Do they need to test or quarantine each day?
- No. Children who travel into or out of Massachusetts to attend day care or day camps need not test or quarantine.
