Adjusting to CDC's New Travel Guidelines

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) released new travel guidelines on June 12, 2020. Here is a recap of how to implement these guidelines for your next travel plans.

General Prevention Guidelines for Any Type of Transportation Method

Practice Hand Hygiene

Wash you hands with soap and water frequently:

• Before you leave your current location

• After you arrive at your destination

• After you cough or sneeze

• After touching frequently touched surfaces like door knobs, faucets, light switches, stair rails, etc.

Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds and make sure you cover all surfaces.

Also, avoid touching your eyes and face. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or a flexed elbow.

Practice Physical Distancing

Whenever possible, maintain at least 6 feet distance in all directions from people not in your household. For example:

• Waiting in line at a service counter

• Purchasing items from a vending machine or kiosk

Wear a Face Covering

Wear a face covering whenever you have to be within 6 feet of people not in your household. Since these situations can be very unpredictable, Safety Nest recommends wearing a face covering at all times when you're outside of your home.

A face covering can be:

• Cloth face covering (check out our guidance on cloth face coverings)

• Surgical masks

• NIOSH-approved respirator (e.g., N95 respirator, half-face respirator with P100 filters)

Due to limited supplies of surgical masks and NIOSH-approved respirators, please avoid buying these face coverings as front-line medical personnel require them to keep themselves safe while treating patients.

Be Prepared

Carry sanitation supplies like disinfecting wipes and/or hand sanitizer with at least 70% alcohol. Bring extra face coverings, especially if you use cloth face coverings. Safety Nest recommends washing cloth face coverings after each use.

If you require assistance or special accommodations while traveling, it is best to arrange for someone in your household to travel with you as a "travel buddy."

Air Travel

Due to the increased risk of exposure on airplanes, limit all travel to absolutely necessary trips. If you must travel by air, follow these guidelines:

• Avoid close contact with others.

• Face coverings are a must while on board the plane. Safety Nest also recommends wearing face coverings at the airport.

• Avoid touching surfaces frequently touched by others, such as armrests, tray tables, and window shades.

• Wash your hands immediately after deplaning with soap and water.

It is good practice to self-quarantine for 14 days after returning from a trip. If you experience COVID-19 symptoms during this period, contact your health care provider for further assistance.

Public Transportation

Many public transit agencies are implementing their COVID-19 prevention guidelines. Familiarize yourself with these guidelines prior to traveling. Safety Nest recommends the following guidelines when taking public transportation:

• If possible, schedule your travel during off-peak hours to limit the number of other travelers around you.

• Wear a face covering at public transit stations/stops and on board public transportation.

• Avoid touching surfaces frequently touched by others with your fingers, like door handles and light switches. Instead, use the back of the hand, elbows, or feet.

• Avoid close contact with others. Be aware of others while:

  • waiting in line to purchase tickets

  • waiting for train/subway/bus to arrive

• Leave an empty row (or at minimum an empty seat) between you and others.

Taxis and Rideshares

When taking a taxi or a rideshare, follow these guidelines:

• Carry hand sanitizer with at least 70% alcohol or some other way to sanitize your hands. Clean your hands after touching car door handles, seat belts, windows, or other parts of the vehicle.

• Limit the number of passengers in the car. Avoid carpooling with people not in your household.

• Ask the driver to open windows or set the ventilation to non-recirculation mode.

• Do not accept offers of water or other items from the driver.

• Use touchless payment methods whenever possible.

While scientists around the world are racing to find a vaccine and a cure, limit travel to only absolutely necessary trips! If you must travel, travel smart and stay safe!