Travel during Covid has significantly changed when compared to pre-Covid times. Before Covid, all you had to do was pack your bags, book a ticket, and go. In a post-Covid world, a lot more must be done before, during, and after traveling. If you are planning to travel during the pandemic, taking specific safety measures can keep you and your travel companions safe while in transit.
According to the CDC, even though the worst of the pandemic might be in the past, travelers still need to observe safety protocols like pre-travel testing, wearing a mask, and post-travel testing.
Domestic travel during Covid
Travel within the United States during Covid has gone through several phases. At the height of the pandemic, many states restricted interstate travel, with some like New York shutting down all air travel.
As the pandemic eased, most states removed all domestic travel restrictions. However, this does not mean domestic travel is now a hundred percent safe. With vaccination rates still low and the Delta Covid strain still spreading, it is necessary to take steps to stay safe while traveling locally.
Here are the steps the CDC recommends domestic travelers take to stay safe.
If you are fully vaccinated
While in transit:
- Wear a mask
- Follow state recommendations and requirements
- If traveling to states with high Covid cases, wear a mask outdoors
After travel:
- Monitor your health for two weeks
- If you experience any symptoms, get a Covid-19 test
If you are not fully vaccinated
Before travel:
- Get a Covid-19 viral test at least one to three days before travel
While in transit:
- Wear a mask
- Avoid crowded areas and practice social distancing
- Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer (>60% alcohol)
After travel:
- Get a Covid-19 test three to five after arrival
- Self-quarantine for at least seven days (even if the test comes back negative)
- If the test is positive, self-isolate for 14 days
- If you choose not to get tested, self-quarantine for an additional three days (ten in total)
- Avoid contact with any high-risk individuals for at least fourteen days
- Self-monitor for any Covid-19 symptoms
International travel during Covid
Staying safe while on international travel differs slightly from domestic travel due to different Covid levels in various countries.
Read more about how the CDC ranks each country.
Here’s a quick rundown of safety measures the CDC recommends during international travel.
Before travel:
- Check the latest Covid status of the destination country
- Follow airline requirements
- If you are not fully vaccinated, get a Covid-19 test 1-3 days before traveling
In transit:
- Wear a mask
- Maintain social distancing
On arrival:
- Follow destination country Covid protocols
- If infection rates are high, avoid crowded areas, wear your mask outdoors and maintain social distancing
Before traveling back:
- Continue wearing your mask and maintain social distancing
- Get tested at least 1-3 days before departing for the United States
After arrival:
- Get tested with a Covid-19 test after three to five days
- If you are not fully vaccinated, self-quarantine for up to ten days
Get Tested To Stay Safe When You Travel During Covid
Although wearing a mask and social distancing are effective ways to stay safe when in transit, testing is still the most effective safety protocol. When you get tested before and after traveling, you ensure you have the correct health information to act upon. If the test is positive, you can take measures to keep yourself and others safe, like getting treated and self-isolating.
Drip Hydration offers pre and post-travel Covid-19 tests done in the comfort of your home or office. Our rapid antigen test results are available within fifteen minutes, and the rapid PCR test in 2-4 hours.
If you plan to travel during Covid domestically or internationally, book your Covid test today by clicking the link below or giving us a call.
