As new variants of the coronavirus gain traction in the United States, summer travelers face a familiar and vexing question: How will the ever-mutating virus affect travel plans?
In light of updated guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, answers may be slightly different than in previous years.
Here’s what you need to know about traveling this summer if you’re worried about – or think you might have – Covid-19.
What’s up with Covid?
Recent CDC data shows that Covid infections are increasing or likely increasing in more than 40 states. Hospitalization rates and deaths, although low compared to peaks seen in previous years, are also on the rise.
The rise is linked to a handful of variants — called KP.2, KP.3 and LB.1 — that now account for the majority of new cases.
At the same time, record numbers of people are expected to travel on July 4 and the holiday weekend.
I had planned to travel but I am sick with Covid. What should I do;
In short: You should probably delay or cancel your trip.
If you’ve tested positive or are experiencing Covid symptoms, which include fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, body aches and headache, the CDC recommends you stay home and stay away from others.
According to its latest guidelines, the agency advises waiting at least 24 hours after you are fever-free and your general symptoms improve before returning to normal activities, including travel.
What are the isolation rules?
New CDC guidelines issued in March made significant changes to the recommended isolation period for people with Covid.
The agency now says you can resume daily activities if you meet two conditions: You’ve been fever-free for at least 24 hours (without using fever-reducing medications) and your symptoms are improving overall. Previously, the agency recommended isolation for at least five days, plus a period of post-isolation precautions.
Even after your isolation period, you may still be able to spread the virus to others, so the CDC encourages you to continue taking precautions for the next five days: Use masks, wash your hands often, practice physical distancing , clean ventilate by opening the windows or cleaning it and keep testing yourself before gathering around others.
Are there long-term requirements for tests or vaccines?
Travelers no longer need to show proof of a Covid vaccination or take a Covid test to enter the US (This applies to both US citizens and non-citizens.)
The same is true in Europe and most other countries.
How can I prepare before I travel?
First, make sure you are up to date with your Covid vaccines.
Next, plan to bring items that would be useful in case you get sick while traveling.
“Make sure you have a good first aid kit or medicine with you,” said Vicki Sowards, the director of nursing resources for Passport Health, which provides travel medical services. Ms Sowards recommended that your kit should include medicines you usually take when you are sick, as well as a Covid test.
You may want to consider packing medications that can help relieve Covid symptoms, such as pain relievers, cold and flu medications, and fever reducers. Having some electrolyte tablets (or Gatorade powder) with you can also help if you get sick.
Ms Sowards also suggested talking to your doctor before travelling, particularly if you are in a vulnerable or high-risk group. Some doctors may prescribe the antiviral Paxlovid as a precautionary measure, he said, to be taken in the event of a Covid infection.
How can I stay safe while traveling?
Wearing a mask on a plane or in crowded areas is still a good idea, Ms Sowards said. “Respiratory droplets are the main carrier of Covid, so protecting yourself is paramount, especially if you are immunocompromised or have chronic conditions.”
If you do get sick, start wearing a mask and using over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen for fever or joint pain, Ms. Sowards advised.
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