Should I Travel This Holiday Season? Is It Safe?

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention is urging the public not to travel this upcoming holiday season. Dr. Henry Walke of the CDC’s COVID-19 incident management team stated, “the best thing for Americans to do in the upcoming holiday season is to stay at home and not travel” (usatoday.com). While the official CDC guidelines state that travelers should avoid all travel to any destination that is classified as “high risk of infection rates”, people may not always listen to the experts. With as uncertain as times are right now, people want to spend those special holiday moments with the ones they care about. Although, with infection rates rising everyday, it is important to keep saftey in mind while partaking in the traditional holiday festivities, especially travel.

Below you will find the official CDC guidelines in holiday travel this season.

Travel Precautions

• Consider getting tested 1-3 days before your trip and keep a copy of your results on you;
• Get your flu shot;
• Check your destination’s travel restrictions prior;
• If you feel ill, DO NOT TRAVEL;
• Bring extra supplies (i.e masks, hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, gloves);
• Wear a mask and adhere to the guidelines at your destination;
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth as much as possible.

What to do After You Travel

• Consider getting tested 3-5 days after your trip;
• Avoid all non-essential activities for a FULL 7 days after travel, even if you test negative;
• Always wear a mask when outside your home;
• Wash your hands consistently or use a 60% alcohol hand sanitizer;
• Track your health and any symptoms that may appear;
• Try and avoid being around anyone who is at an increased risk of COVID.

If you need a rapid COVID-19 test, you can look up the closest CVS or your primary care physician’s office to see if you qualify.

Check back for more helpful tips on how to navigate COVID-19 this holiday season.