It’s spring and summer is approaching. Many of us enjoy traveling and planning summer vacations. While this year is different from last – we know more about COVID-19, how to protect ourselves and the vaccine is becoming more available – it’s important to remember that traveling still increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19.
The Centers for Disease Control continues to recommend delaying travel and staying home to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, even if you are vaccinated. If you must travel, take these steps:
- If you are eligible, get fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Wait two weeks after getting your second Pfizer or Moderna vaccine dose or first Johnson & Johnson dose. It takes time for your body to build protection after any vaccination.
- Get tested one to three days before your travel. Keep your test results with you and do not travel if you have a positive COVID-19 test.
- Check travel restrictions before you go. Follow all state and local recommendations or requirements before and after travel.
- Wear a mask over your nose and mouth in public settings. Masks are required on planes and other forms of public transportation.
- Avoid crowds and stay at least six feet away from anyone who did not travel with you.
- Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer.
- Bring extra masks and hand sanitizer.
- Avoid contact with anyone who is sick
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Get tested three to five days after your trip and stay home and self-quarantine for a full seven days after travel, even if your test is negative. If you don’t get tested, stay home and self-quarantine for 10 days after travel.
- Do not travel if you were exposed to COVID-19, you are sick or you tested positive for COVID-19.
Check the CDC Travel Planner before your trip to learn more about any COVID-19 restrictions and guidance at your destination if you are unable to delay travel.
