I won’t tell you not to be among the holiday travelers, because my family is, but I will share the health and safety guidance that we practice to keep everyone safe. We follow the same 5 safety tips that the travel industry and CDC advocate. And, with religious fervor.
The industry’s top promotion arm, U.S. Travel, has released revised and updated health and safety guidelines in response to a AAA Travel report that projects up to 50 million Americans will take to the roads and skies for the November holiday. That’s a big number of travelers despite the many experts entreating families not to travel to help break the pattern of spiking COVID-19 infection numbers nationwide.
Their guidelines reflect the CDC’s long-standing guidance and are addressed specifically to holiday travelers.
If You’re a Holiday Traveler, Make It Safer for Everyone
At a recent press conference, Roger Dow, U.S. Travel Association President and CEO reminded Americans, “It is extremely important to not become complacent about our health and safety practices.” The U.S. Travel Association is asking everyone to closely heed recommended best practices if traveling.
Their guidance, “Travel in the New Normal,” asks travelers to stay focused on their own practices that contribute to a safe environment for all while demonstrating the travel industry’s commitment to the same.
“Public health is a shared responsibility that requires a phased and layered approach, and if you’re choosing to travel, you have a major role to play,” said Dow.
U.S. Travel emphasizes that whether you’re flying through an airport, taking a road trip break at a rest stop, entering a restaurant or if staying in a hotel, wear a mask in public spaces, without exception.
Beyond the strong emphasis on mask-wearing, other practical advice for travelers in the updated guidance reflects evidence gathered about COVID-19 — primarily, that transmission is mostly airborne, and that a greater focus on transmission barriers is therefore essential.
Decide if you can travel safely.
Do not travel if you are sick or if you have been around someone with COVID-19 in the past 14 days.
Keep up to date with healthy habits.
Get an annual Flu Vaccine.
Before travel, check information about your destination.
Check health departments for local requirements and up-to-date travel information about your destination.
Practice physical distancing.
Stay six feet from those who do not live with you, both indoors and outdoors.
Wash your hands frequently.
Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. Make it a family policy: Wherever you see a santizer dispenser in public, use it. (Keep skin moisturizers on hand as children’s skin may be irritated by the harsh chemicals in some sanitizers.)
Thanks to U.S. Travel for their updated travel health and safety guidance.
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