The past two years we have defined life into two categories: Pre COVID-19 & During COVID-19. Looking back to see life before the masks and social distancing, life seemed so carefree. Today, we are constantly having the looming thought of COVID-19 with every choice and plan we make. Before, we would plan vacations months in advance for milestones like spring break and birthdays.
We are starting to see a shift back into normal patterns and behaviors. Now some of us are starting to take trips that were placed on hold since the start on the pandemic. Unfortunately, it is important to remember that COVID-19 is still around and spreading. Recently, COVID-19 just became the deadliest pandemic the United States has seen, surpassing the 1918 Swine Flu (Johnson, 2021).
The Delta variant is more contagious – spreading 2x as many infections (CDC, 2021). Compared to COVID-19 rates last year, the Delta variant is currently having an impact on a rise in cases (Katella, 2021). Cold weather means two things: flu season and the holiday season. We can start to see the flu and COVID-19 cases rise together during fall and winter months (USFDA, 2021). It is important to keep in mind ways to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
How to Protect Yourself and Others While Traveling: The 4P’s
1. Preparing
- Be fully vaccinated and have the flu shot before traveling. (Mayo Clinic, 2021) You are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after your second dose of the vaccine.
- Get tested 1-3 days before the start of the trip.
- Self-quarantine for 7 days and get tested 3-5 days after the end of your trip.
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COVID-19 Domestic Travel Requirements | COVID-19 International Travel Requirements |
Image Source: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html
2. Planning
- Check regulations and number of cases. You want to avoid any locations that are considered a “hot spot” for Covid-19. Mayo Clinic has a map that is updated every 24 hours with case data and provides a 14-day forecast of the trends of cases.
- Check the CDC’s Travel Planner for updated information on a specific locations Covid-19 Guidelines and Restrictions in the United States. You can search by city, state, address, and zip code.
3. Packing
- Pack the essentials when it comes to health care items in a pandemic. A short list of items that will keep you proactively safe during your travels are:
- Hand Sanitizer at or above 60% alcohol
- Variations of mask (Fabric, Medical Grade, KN95s)
- Anti-Bacterial Disincentive Wipes
Mask Do’s and Don’ts - Image Source: paho.org/en/documents/infographic-how-wear-mask-safely
4. Public Health Protocols
Respect the regulations and rules of where you travel. Wearing your mask, physically distancing and following regulations will keep you and your loved ones safe.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Covid-19 travel planner. cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-planner/index.html.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Delta variant: What we know about the science. cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/delta-variant.html#:~:text=%E2%80%A2%20Some%20data%20suggest%20the,the%20original%20virus%20strains.
- Johnson, C. K. (2021, September 20). Covid-19 has now killed about as many Americans as the 1918-19 flu. NPR. Retrieved October 3, 2021, from https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2021/09/20/1039071....
- Mayo Clinic. (2021, August 20). Is it safe to travel during covid-19? Mayo Clinic. Retrieved October 3, 2021, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/coro....
- Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2021). U.S. COVID-19 map: Tracking the trends. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved October 3, 2021, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/coronavirus-covid-19/map.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2021). It's a good time to get your flu vaccine. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/its-good-time-get-your-fl....