Gov. Andrew Cuomo advised people Tuesday to stay home for the holidays in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cuomo's message was to "Celebrate smart. Stop shutdowns."

Just as with Thanksgiving, Cuomo is asking people to limit their travel over Christmas, Kwanza and New Year's.

He also said he's in contact with the federal government, asking for it to be a nationwide requirement for passengers coming from the UK to be banned or tested.

This is in light of reports that there's a new variant of the coronavirus in Britain right now.

Cuomo said he's working with several hospitals and labs in the state, including Northwell Health, to begin testing to see if this new variant is in fact in New York.

British Airways, Delta Airlines and Virgin Atlantic have agreed to test passengers before they board a flight to John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Despite the CDC and officials urging people to postpone holiday travel, people are still driving and flying to see relatives.

The latest numbers from the TSA show almost 1.1 million people have chosen to travel every day for the last four days.

The TSA says Monday, approximately 954,000 people made their way through TSA checkpoints, as compared to 2.4 million last year. While that is fewer people than last year, it's still more than some lawmakers would like.

"If we celebrate smart, we will see an increase in the rate, but I do not believe we will shut down but, you have to celebrate smart," said Cuomo.