Part 2: Advise from the CDC

The CDC says that “travel can increase your chance of spreading and getting COVID-19” so “postponing travel and staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.” The CDC especially emphasizes the unpredictability of asymptomatic individuals—people who do not show symptoms of COVID-19 but are carriers of the virus. 

While the CDC recommends staying at home and following quarantine protocol, they offer advice on how to travel safely for those that believe it is a necessity. 

1. Check travel restrictions in your destination
2. Get your flu shot before traveling
3. Bring masks and hand sanitizers
4. Do not follow through with travel plans if your travel buddies are sick
5. Wear a proper face covering in public settings that covers both the nose and mouth
6. Abide by social distancing regulations (six feet apart) to reduce close contact with others
7. Try to not touch your eyes, nose or mouth
8. Do not maintain eye contact with a sick person in close proximity as a common way to become infected is through virus particles entering one’s eyes

The CDC also recommends that people consider the following questions before traveling. If the answer to any of the questions is yes, they advise the individual to think critically on if the need to travel outweighs the risk.

1. Ask yourself if you are planning on seeing anyone in the “high-risk” groups. If a member of your family or someone you are visiting is considered “at-risk,” you should also consider yourself “at-risk” so that you can take the extra necessary precautions to protect the high-risk individual.
2. Are the cases rising where you will be traveling? 
3. Are the hospitals overwhelmed in your community or where you are traveling to?
4.  Does your community or destination have “requirements or restrictions for travelers”?
5. Have you, your family, or people you are traveling with been in close contact with people 14 days before the vacation or plan of travel?
6. Are you able to maintain six feet distance on your form of transportation?
7. Are you traveling with people outside of your immediate family?

For some individuals, following CDC guidelines is enough protection against the virus no matter the setting one is in. For others, CDC guidelines need to be upheld to the highest standard with traveling being the biggest transgression