As new coronavirus variants gain traction in the United States, summer travelers are facing a familiar and vexing question: How will the ever-mutating virus affect travel plans?
In light of updated guidance 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 or think you may have COVID-19.
What’s happening with Covid?
Recent CDC data shows that Covid infections are increasing or very likely increasing in more than 40 states. Hospitalization and death rates, while low compared to the peaks seen in previous years, are also rising.
The increase is linked to a handful of variants – named KP.2, KP.3 and LB.1 – which now account for the majority of new cases.
At the same time, record numbers of people are expected to travel over the July 4 and holiday weekend.
I planned to travel, but I got sick with Covid. What should I do?
Bottom line: You should probably delay or cancel your trip.
If you have tested positive or have symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, body aches, and headache, the CDC recommends that you stay home and distance yourself from others.
According to its latest guidance, the agency advises waiting at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever and your general symptoms improve before resuming normal activities, including travel.
What are the isolation rules?
New CDC guidelines released in March made significant changes to the recommended isolation period for people with Covid.
The agency now says you can return to your daily activities if you meet two conditions: you have not had a fever for at least 24 hours (without using fever-reducing medications) and your symptoms are generally improving. Previously, the agency recommended self-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: wear masks, wash your hands frequently, practice physical distancing, purify your air by opening windows or purifying it, and continue to test yourself before gathering with others.
Are there any continuing testing or vaccine requirements?
Travelers no longer need to show proof of Covid vaccination or take a Covid test to enter the United States (this applies to both U.S. citizens and non-citizens).
The same is true in Europe and most other countries.
How can I prepare before traveling?
First, make sure you stay up to date with Covid vaccines.
Next, plan to bring any items that might be useful if you get sick during your trip.
“Make sure you pack a good first aid or medication kit,” said Vicki Sowards, director of nursing resources at Passport Health, which provides medical services to travellers. Sowards recommended that your kit include medications you normally take when you’re sick, as well as COVID tests.
You may want to consider packing medications that can help relieve COVID symptoms, such as painkillers, cold and flu medications, and fever reducers. Packing electrolyte tablets (or powdered Gatorade) can also help if you get sick.
Ms Sowards also suggested speaking to your doctor before travelling, particularly if you are in a vulnerable or high-risk group. Some doctors may prescribe the antiviral drug Paxlovid as a precaution, she said, to be taken in case of a Covid infection.
How can I stay safe when traveling?
Wearing a mask on a plane or in crowded places is still a good idea, Sowards said. “Respiratory droplets are the main vector of COVID, so it’s important to protect yourself, especially if you’re immunocompromised or have chronic health 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, Sowards advised.
Follow the New York Times Travel on Instagram And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter for expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming of a future getaway or just armchair travel? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024.
