As more and more people get vaccinated and even boost their defenses against COVID-19, holiday travel feels safer than last year. Taking some precautions is still important, but it’s a bit different today than it was before. These ten tips will help to ensure that your entire traveling party stays healthy and no one brings home any unwanted holiday presents.
COVID-19 Infection Rates in Your Area
It is essential that you assess COVID-19 infection rates before you go on a trip. A high-level infection rate country may increase your risk of getting COVID-19. A spokesperson for the Infectious Diseases Society of America, Dr. Glatt, says that traveling from a place with COVID-19 will increase the chances of your group or a passenger near you becoming infected.
COVID-19 Infection Rates at Your Destination
Infection rates at your destination are also a factor to take into account. Vaccinating does not make you immune from COVID-19, so you’ll still be at risk for becoming ill in a COVID-19 hotspot even if you’ve already been vaccinated. Search on the website Global Epidemics of Brown School of Public Health for the color-coded risk level.
Current Health and Immunization Status
The key question to ask yourself is how risky traveling would be for you. The COVID-19 approach needs to be individual. Everything must be seen through your own lens. A high level of risk for severe consequences of COVID-19 may be associated with your age or underlying health conditions. The same goes for the people you are visiting or traveling with. There is a possibility that they have a compromised immune system and are still susceptible to COVID-19 even after they’ve been vaccinated.
Take a Test Before You Travel
You may want to take a test one to three days before leaving so as not to bring the virus with you. Testing may be required before you can visit international destinations, even when you are vaccinated. U.S. citizens entering Brazil are required to test negative for COVID-19 before arrival. When returning to the United States after traveling internationally, everyone over age 2 must present proof of a negative COVID-19 test, unless they have documentation proving they’ve recovered from this illness recently.
Don’t Go Into Crowded Indoor Spaces
While you may always love to do certain activities during vacation, it may make sense now to skip them. Themed parks with inside attractions, karaoke cafes, and other crowded indoor activities may pose COVID-19 risks. Indoor areas crowded with people are best avoided. However, it is still important that you comply with all the safety precautions, such as keeping a safe distance and wearing a mask if you have to go to a crowded place.