Speaking at a news conference Tuesday morning, Chokshi said:
"It is not too late to cancel your travel plans," and added that "now is the moment to make a difference in this next wave of the pandemic," as Covid-19 cases rise across the city and US.
"Do not travel this holiday season if it can be at all avoided," Choksi continued. "Please be cautious and stick to your core groups of family members and select friends," he added.
Chokshi urged individuals to stay connected despite the restrictions, and encouraged those to reach out to friends and family that may be struggling this particular season.
The health commissioner's comments come as New York City reports 1,476 new Covid-19 cases on a seven-day average, which continues to surpass the city set threshold of 550 cases.
“We have to do everything we can to turn this around,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said today.