A message to our customers

Visit Buffalo Niagara continues to monitor public health advisories, policies and protocols in an effort to ensure visitors’ health, safety and well-being. The precautions that were implemented across our region appear to have been effective — the number of COVID-19 cases is down dramatically, restrictions are being eased and area businesses are beginning to re-open in a prudent and methodical manner with your safety as our community’s highest priority. Although life is beginning to return to something resembling normal, many of the socially-distanced diversions, virtual experiences and self-guided walking tours listed here can still be enjoyed if you’re not ready to resume in-person and group activities.

We’re ready to welcome you back whenever you are ready to start traveling again. Be well and stay healthy!

— Your Friends in Buffalo

Updated August 5, 2020 – 35 new cases (as reported by NYS DOH Covid-19 Tracker August 4)

Note: The loosening of restrictions across New York State have been considered region-by-region, based on the following criteria set forth by New York Forward.  The information below has been gathered from NY Forward and is updated as the state updates its metrics. Please keep in mind that even though a business has been cleared to reopen, that business may have chosen to remain closed. Further, certain businesses such as attractions and restaurants may require the purchase of tickets or reservations in advance of your visit. It is best to call ahead or check the business website for accurate and complete information.

Attractions, indoor: Low risk indoor museums, historical sites, aquariums, and other related institutions.

Attractions, outdoor: Low risk outdoor arts, including outdoor zoos, botanical gardens, nature parks, historic sites and cultural institutions, outdoor museums, outdoor agritourism, local agricultural demonstrations and exhibitions.

Beaches: Open but must maintain six feet of separation.

Campgrounds and Parks: Open, with some exceptions.

Hair salons and barber shops, nail salons: Open

Hotels and accommodations: Open

Professional Sports Competitions: No live audience, fans or spectators can attend or be permitted to enter any professional sports venue, even if outdoors. No fans shall congregate outside the venue.

Restaurants, bars, breweries and distilleries: Open.

Retail stores: Any store that has their own external entrance. Shopping malls are permitted to open effective July 10, provided they have enhanced HVAC filtration systems and measures in place.

Mandated Quarantine: All travelers entering New York from a state with a positive test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents, or higher than a 10% test positivity rate, over a seven day rolling average, will be required to quarantine for a period of 14 days consistent with Department of Health regulations for quarantine.   To date, these states include: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.  Governor Cuomo announced that travel enforcement operations have been put in place at airports across NYS to ensure travelers are following quarantine restrictions.

Enforcement teams will be stationed at all airports at gates and will greet disembarking passengers to request proof of completion of the State Department of Health Traveler Form, which is being distributed to passengers by airlines prior to and upon boarding or disembarking flights to NYS. There is also an electronic version of the DOH form, which may be found here.

Updated 8/7/2020