With the holidays coming up, it is inevitable that many people will be traveling. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that staying home is the most effective way for avoiding COVID-19, it is likely that many students will still choose to travel home. Since my classes are online, I am planning on moving back home for Thanksgiving and staying until the end of winter break, so I do not have to risk exposing my family and housemates by traveling back and forth multiple times. However, this may not be possible for everyone. No matter your situation, it is crucial that you take precautions to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
When making travel plans, consider the risk in the area where you are currently living, and in the place you are traveling to. What are the travel restrictions in those areas? How likely is it that you could be exposed to COVID-19? Will you be traveling somewhere where you may expose someone who is at high risk for complications with COVID-19? These are important factors to think about BEFORE your travel date to make sure that you will not be endangering yourself or the people you care about.
Another option to help alleviate anxiety about spreading COVID-19 to a new area is to get tested before you leave. Many cities, including Davis, offer free COVID-19 testing. UC Davis is currently working on expanding testing, but it is currently limited. Current information on who is eligible for testing at UC Davis can be found here. Different testing facilities have different results rates, so it is important to research testing in your area to make sure you will receive test results before you leave. While timing this can be tricky, getting tested will help you make sure you are not asymptomatically carrying the virus.
If possible, make plans to travel by car or RV instead of using public transportation. According to the CDC, traveling by airplane or bus can make it difficult to maintain a safe distance from a large number of other people, who are coming and going to a large number of different places. When traveling using public transportation or when making stops during road trips, make sure to wear a mask and stay at least six feet away from people outside of your household. Washing your hands frequently, keeping hand sanitizer in a convenient location, and not touching your face are other important precautions to take, not only when traveling, but when going in public in general.
If you have to travel overnight, the CDC recommends researching hotels and their disinfecting policies and changes since the beginning of the pandemic. Calling beforehand and asking about specific procedures can help you find a place to stay with a lower risk of exposure. Packing your own food, or only getting food using drive-through or curbside pickup options also will help reduce the number of people you come in contact with during your trip.
Making the decision whether or not to travel during these uncertain times can be difficult. It is incredibly important to do research and take precautions to help reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 or spreading it to your loved ones. Again, it is safest to avoid travel altogether, so if you do travel, make sure you are exceedingly careful. By not gathering in large groups, wearing our masks, washing our hands, and staying distant from others, we can help prevent the rapid spread of COVID-19.
