CDC gives green light to domestic travel for fully vaccinated people
The new guidelines say that vaccinated travelers are less likely to catch and spread the virus, but the CDC still recommends safety measures such as wearing a mask, social distance and hand washing.
ATLANTA – The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday released new guidelines that give the go-ahead for people to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to travel safely within the United States.
The new guidelines say that vaccinated travelers are less likely to catch and spread the virus, but the CDC still recommends safety measures such as wearing a mask, social distance and hand washing.
“Our guidance reiterates that all travelers, regardless of vaccination status, should continue to wear masks on planes, buses, trains and other forms of public transport during the trip,” said Rochelle Walensky, director of the CDC.
Fully vaccinated travelers do not need to be tested before or after travel, unless such testing is required by the destination. And quarantine is not necessary after inoculation.
MIAMI, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 01: A sign saying, ‘Masks needed in this area’, is seen as travelers prepare to check in for the Delta Airlines flight at Miami International Airport on February 1, 2021 in Miami , Florida. A signed executive order
In its first round of guidelines for vaccinated people, the CDC did not give its blessing to travelers. Even so, airports received millions of travelers a day last month – an increase that mimics pre-pandemic levels, Fox News reported.
So far, the US Food and Drug Administration has approved three vaccines. The mRNA vaccines made by Pfizer and Moderna require two doses spaced about a month apart, while the Johnson & Johnson injection requires only a single injection.
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The CDC says its new guidelines apply only to travelers inoculated with FDA-approved vaccines.
Traveling is still not recommended if you are not fully vaccinated, as it increases the chance of the virus spreading. But if travel is unavoidable, the CDC has the following guidelines:
- Take the viral test 1 to 3 days before your trip.
- Wear a mask over your nose and mouth.
- Avoid crowds and stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms) from anyone who is not traveling with you.
- Wash your hands frequently or use a hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol).
- Take the test with a viral test 3-5 days after the trip AND stay home and self-quarantine for 7 full days after the trip.
- If you don’t take the test, stay home and be quarantined for 10 days after your trip.
- Avoid being around people with an increased risk of serious illness for 14 days, regardless of whether you get tested or not.
- Self-monitoring for symptoms of COVID-19; isolate and get tested if symptoms develop.
- Follow any state or local recommendations or requirements.
This story was reported from Atlanta.