Essential Travel Safety Tips During COVID-19

Little will bring home how much travel has changed than realizing that a negative test is required before the simple act of traveling from one US state to another.

Let’s start with the obvious part. To enjoy the luxury of travel at this time, it’s crucial for everyone to comply with safety protocols. If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, have tested positive, come into contact with someone who has, or are waiting on test results, traveling and coming into contact with a large number of people is irresponsible.

Assuming you are healthy, being responsible means doing your best to keep yourself and others safe. In its simplest form, this entails complying with basic requests: wear a mask when asked, wash hands frequently, and maintain social distance. By following these guidelines, airlines are more likely to welcome you on board, as they have implemented a wide range of measures designed to keep you safe.

This issue is partly about the impact of individuals moving around the US and potentially helping to spread COVID. Staying close to home can significantly prevent the spread of the virus. The CDC recommends checking statistics for infection rates in the state you plan on visiting. If the virus is spreading at your destination, you risk your health and that of others you come into contact with by proceeding with your plans. Travelers should also consider the case numbers in their home area; a rise in cases may inadvertently spread COVID to your travel destination and during transit.

If you feel comfortable traveling to a destination with relatively low COVID rates, you should consider that choosing a lower-risk mode of transport signifies responsible travel. The CDC categorizes flying as medium to medium-high risk compared to other transportation options. The ability to maintain distance from others varies depending on the airline selected. Therefore, checking for updates from airlines is essential. Traveling with layovers, with additional time spent in security and handling frequently touched surfaces, is categorized as high risk, while the lowest risk is considered private car journeys with members of your own household.

The economic impact of limiting travel should not be overlooked, as many states are striving to remain open for visitors. Individual states have varying welcome measures and may impose additional requirements on travelers. For instance, New York, Maine, and Alaska present examples of states with differing restrictions based on the traveler’s origin. Furthermore, specific locations within states, such as Chicago, may have unique requirements. Adhering to these requests is not only a matter of responsibility but also, in many cases, a legal obligation. Each state’s guidance can be accessed here.