As new variants of the coronavirus spread across the United States, summer travelers are facing a familiar and troubling question: How will the ever-mutating virus affect their travel plans?
In light of Updated guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and PreventionYour answers may vary slightly from previous years.
If you’re worried about COVID-19 or think you may have it, here’s what you need to know about traveling this summer.
What’s the situation with Corona?
Recent CDC data COVID-19 case numbers are increasing or showing a trend of increasing in more than 40 states, and hospitalization and death rates, while still lower than peaks in years past, are on the rise.
This increase is associated with several variants, designated KP.2, KP.3, and LB.1, and is currently The majority of new infections.
At the same time, record numbers of people are expected to travel over the Fourth of July and long weekend.
I was planning to travel, but now I’ve contracted COVID-19. What should I do?
In short, you should probably postpone or cancel your trip.
If you test positive or have any Covid symptoms, such as fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, body aches, or headache, contact the CDC. Recommendation Stay home and away from other people.
In its latest guidelines, the agency recommends waiting at least 24 hours after fever subsides and overall symptoms improve before returning to normal activities, including travel.
What are the quarantine rules?
New CDC guidelines issued in March made significant changes to the recommended isolation period for people with COVID-19.
The authorities are now Daily activities can be resumed if two conditions are met:: No fever for at least 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and overall improvement of symptoms. Previously, authorities recommended at least a five-day quarantine, as well as a post-quarantine precautionary period.
Even after the isolation period has passed, it’s still possible to spread the virus to others, which is why the CDC recommends continuing to take precautions over the next five days: wear a mask, wash your hands frequently, maintain physical distance, clean the air with open windows or air purifiers, and continue to test yourself before gathering with others.
Do testing and vaccination requirements remain?
Travelers are no longer required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or take a COVID-19 test to enter the United States (this applies to both U.S. citizens and non-citizens).
The same is true in Europe and most other countries.
How do I prepare before traveling?
First, make sure you stay COVID-19 vaccine update.
Next, make a plan to bring items that will help you if you get sick during your trip.
“Make sure you have a good first aid kit, a good medicine kit,” says Vicki Sowers, director of nursing resources. Passport Healthoffers travel medical services. Sowers recommended filling your kit with any medications you would normally take when you’re sick, along with a COVID-19 test kit.
Consider bringing medications to relieve COVID-19 symptoms, such as pain relievers, cold and flu medications, and fever reducers. Bringing electrolyte tablets (or powdered Gatorade) can be helpful if you get sick.
Sowers also recommended checking with your doctor before traveling, especially if you’re in a high-risk group, and that some doctors may prescribe the antiviral drug paxlovir as a preventative measure if you do become infected with COVID-19, she said.
How can I stay safe while traveling?
It’s still a good idea to wear a mask on an airplane or in crowded places, Sowers said: “Respiratory droplets are the primary vector of COVID-19 transmission, so protecting yourself is paramount, especially if you’re immunocompromised or have chronic health issues.”
If you do get sick, Sowers advised wearing a mask and using over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen for fevers and joint pain.
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