Travel on Your Mind?
Travel on Your Mind?
Consider family and community safety
After more than a year of living with the Covid-19 pandemic, you and your family may be looking for a change of place — for a quick visit to family or friends, or for a vacation — even temporarily. Before you make a move, though, consider the following safety guidelines and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Are You Fully Vaccinated?
Being fully vaccinated means that it has been at least two weeks since your second dose of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine or your second dose of the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine, or at least two weeks since your single dose of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen Covid-19 vaccine. Being fully vaccinated will protect you as well as create an antibody response without your having to experience Covid-19.
Fully vaccinated travellers are less likely to contract and spread the disease, and can travel domestically without testing, unless testing is required by their particular destination or unless they are experiencing symptoms of Covid-19. Symptoms can include: a fever or chills, a new loss of smell or taste, a sore throat, a cough, congestion or a runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, a headache, or shortness of breath.
In addition, fully vaccinated travelers don’t need to self-quarantine.
Safety Guidelines Still Matter
Continue to take protective measures against Covid-19. Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth. Masks are required on trains and in train stations, on planes and in airports, on buses and in bus stations, and in other areas during travel. Practice social distancing (leave at six feet between yourself and anyone not traveling with you), and wash your hands frequently, using hand sanitizer when soap and water are not readily available.
If You Have Not Yet Been Vaccinated
It is best to delay your travel until you are fully vaccinated, as travel increases your chances of contracting and spreading the disease. If you are not fully vaccinated and absolutely must travel, in addition to masking, social distancing and frequent handwashing, the CDC recommends getting a viral test one to three days prior to your trip, and again three to five days following your trip. In addition, quarantine at home for seven days after travel, even if your test is negative. If your test is positive, self-quarantine to protect others from a Covid-19 infection.
In the absence of testing, quarantine for 14 days after traveling. Avoid people who are at increased risk from severe illness from Covid-19 for at least two weeks.
International Travel
Whether or not you have been fully vaccinated, if you are hoping to travel internationally, be sure to become familiar with and follow all recommendations and requirements regarding Covid-19 — not only in your area but in the country in which you plan to travel. Visit https://www.nc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list
When You Simply Shouldn’t Go
Postpone traveling: if you or if a family member — or anyone else in your travel party — are experiencing symptoms of Covid-19, feel sick, have tested positive recently for the virus that causes Covid-19, or have been exposed to someone diagnosed with Covid-19.
