Coronavirus and Travel
March 10, 2020
Traveling During the Coronavirus Outbreak
By Manish Trivedi, M.D., director, Division of Infectious Diseases, AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center
As the coronavirus, or COVID-19, continues to spread, many of my patients, colleagues, family and friends have asked me whether it’s safe to travel. They ask if they should cancel their travel plans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides travel notices regarding destinations affected by COVID-19.
I’ve been advising people to err on the side of caution. Just how important is that trip to you? Can you postpone or reschedule it? Will you be going to a conference or other gathering with large crowds? These are all important things to consider when deciding on the risks and rewards of traveling.
When you travel, regardless of whether the country or region is at a high risk for coronavirus, be sensible and follow CDC recommendations for preventing spread of coronavirus and other illnesses:
- Avoid contact with sick people.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth altogether, and especially with unwashed hands.
- Clean your hands by washing them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
- Cover your mouth with a sleeve or a tissue when coughing or sneezing to prevent the spread of germs. Wash your hands after throwing the tissue into the trash.
- Get plenty of rest. This will help strengthen your immune system.
Some of my patients also wonder what the risk is of getting COVID-19 on an airplane. Viruses and germs don’t spread very easily on airplanes because of how that air is circulated and filtered. The best advice for protecting yourself on an airplane is to follow the steps listed above.
Both the CDC and the U.S. State Department recommend avoiding cruise ships for the time being. As with any virus, the risk of contracting COVID-19 rises when a large concentration of people from many different places comes together.
If you’ve traveled to an area affected by COVID-19 and are feeling ill, contact your physician to determine next steps. It’s important not to show up without calling — you run the risk of infecting others, or potentially catching the coronavirus or another virus or illness that you don’t already have. It’s also of the utmost importance that you self-quarantine, following CDC guidelines and your healthcare provider’s directions. Taking these steps and following the above tips will help you avoid potentially spreading the virus and other illnesses.
Regardless of where you’re traveling, check the CDC’s website for up-to-the-minute travel information. Check with your child’s school or your employer before travelling. Some schools, businesses and other organizations are now requiring a period of self-quarantine for those returning from a trip.
COVID-19 aside, it’s never a good idea to travel when you’re sick. Have you ever sat next to someone who was coughing and sneezing on a plane? It probably won’t be a great experience for you, and it definitely won’t be for your fellow travelers.
