KENILWORTH, NJ, February 19, 2021 / PRNewswire / – The COVID-19 pandemic has radically changed the way Americans approach travel at home and abroad. Many people have questions about when they can travel safely again after the pandemic and what steps they can take to minimize the risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19 during their trip.
In a new editorial on MerckManuals.com, Christopher Sanford, MD, MPH, DTM & H, Associate Professor, Family Medicine, Global Health, University of Washington, address five of the most common questions people have about travel and COVID-19. It also describes important steps travelers can take to protect themselves and their families.
1. Should I travel during COVID-19?
In general, the answer is no. The recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is clear: postponing travel and staying at home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. It is safest not to travel.
However, it is important to strike a reasonable balance between the risks of exposure to COVID-19 and the needs of your work place and the risks of social isolation. When traveling, think that the greatest risk of contracting COVID-19 is around other people. The more you can limit your exposure to other people, the better.
2. What is the safest method of travel during COVID-19?
Is it safer to travel by car or plane? There are many factors to consider, but again the best indicator is the number of people you will be exposed to on a trip. Prioritize travel options where your exposure to other people is limited and the people you are exposed to are aloof and wearing masks.
3. Are there any additional precautions I should take?
The best precaution is to avoid travel altogether. But when you travel, if you are sick, postpone travel, even if it just seems like a “cold”. Make sure you pack masks and hand sanitizer in addition to the medication you’ve used in the past year. Get the flu shot and other necessary vaccines – including COVID-19 if you’re eligible.
It’s also a good idea to have your health insurance card on hand and consider additional travel insurance. For international travel, make sure you have adequate medical evacuation coverage.
4. How should I prepare for my trip?
If you plan to travel during a pandemic, your first step should be a lot of research. Travel restrictions change regularly and many places require a negative COVID-19 test within a certain period of time. It is also a good idea to see a travel medical doctor to discuss the details of your itinerary. Often times, this can be done as a telemedicine appointment as long as no vaccines or other in-office procedures are required.
5. Is it safe to travel when I have the vaccine?
The introduction of the vaccine is slowly improving the situation, but COVID-19 is still a reality and a risk, and travel increases exposure to that risk. It is important that everyone – including those who have been vaccinated – continues to wear a mask, wash their hands and create social distance for the foreseeable future.
Read about pandemic travel and other safe travel considerations in Dr. Sanford’s editorial about MerckManuals.com.
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