“I’ll Be Home for Christmas”: Traveling for the Holidays During a Pandemic

Hailey Velasquez, Staff Writer
November 1, 2020

As you know, the holidays are right around the corner and will arrive faster than expected.  In previous years, people would visit their family and travel with no additional worries on their minds (aside from the usual flight delays, frustrating traffic, and last minute shopping). But how do we go about traveling with a global pandemic in our midst? Traveling increases the risk of getting and spreading Corona virus, and we all want to end 2020 in good health.  Here are tips on how to travel safely during the holidays and how to stay safe during the holiday season. 

BEFORE YOU TRAVEL 

  1. The most important rule if you are planning to travel is “Do not travel if you feel sick and do not travel with any one who is sick.” If you or someone you are planning to travel with feels sick, please examine your symptoms or go to the doctor. If you travel in a crowded space (ex: plane, bus, train), you might risk your own health or the health of others. 
  2. Consider the health of you and your family. Ask yourself if anyone in your household has a higher risk of contracting the disease. If so, consider delaying any vacations until the virus is under control. 
  3. Research your destination and see if they have any rules or restrictions for travelers. Also check their cases on reputable news sources to see if traveling is safe. Some states are still under New York’s quarantine list, meaning you must self quarantine for 14 days after traveling to these states upon returning to New York.

HOW TO SAFELY TRAVEL DURING THE HOLIDAYS: 

When you make your decision about traveling, make sure to – 

  1. Wear masks on public transportation. The CDC strongly recommends for everyone to wear a mask in public spaces. Don’t let holiday cheer and excitement let you forget about protecting your health.
  2. Maintain Social Distancing. Try to maintain at least 6 feet from anyone with whom you are not traveling. 
  3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth if your hands are not clean. There are many germs in buses, planes, trains, etc., so you must be careful when touching your face. 
  4. Pack alcohol wipes or hand sanitizer to keep your hands clean when you don’t have access to a sink with soap. 
  5. Pack your own food and drinks in case restaurants are closed. 
  6. Order through a drive through if you can. Eating inside a restaurant might increase your chances of contracting the virus. 
  7. Wash/ sanitize your hands after you’ve been in the bathroom or a public space. 
  8. If you can, travel in your car or in a RV. This is a safer alternative as opposed to traveling in a public space with people you don’t know. 

AFTER YOU TRAVEL: 

While traveling, there is always the chance that you could risk exposure to the virus. Once you arrive home, take the following precautions:

  1. Stay home for a few days or schedule your trip so you arrive home a few days before returning to school or work.
  2. While staying home, be on the lookout for common Corona virus symptoms. These symptoms include 
  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

3. Consider getting tested for the virus. Some people are asymptomatic (meaning you don’t show symptoms) and you could be too. 

We hope that all of our readers from The Gull take these precautions and stay safe during the holiday season. If you are planning to travel, we hope you have a great trip and a fun time. Please consider others during this holiday season and enjoy spending time with your family and friends.  HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Additional CDC info can be found here: https://www.google.com/search?q=symptoms+of+covid&rlz=1CAOJOO_enUS868&oq=syptms+f+&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j0i13i457j0i13l6.3941j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&safe=active&ssui=on