What to know before you go….
Summer is in full swing, which generally means it is time for vacations. As the cases of COVID-19 grow around the country, we want to help you in making the most informed decision prior to loading up the car or booking your next trip. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has created guidance for considerations for travel. Before you go, a few considerations are:
- Are you heading to a “hot spot?” Traveling to areas with increased COVID-19 can increase your risk of infection. There also may be increased travel restrictions due to the viral spread. It is encouraged that you check state or local health departments for more information before you travel.
- Will you be able to socially distance while traveling? Being less than 6 feet from others can increase your chance of infecting others or becoming infected.
- Are you at an increased risk of infection? If you or those you or those you are planning to travel with are at an increased risk of illness, it is recommended that travel be limited.
- Will you need to quarantine after traveling? Some states, work-sites, and schools may require a 14-day quarantine after traveling.
- Are you sick or have you been in contact with someone that has COVID-19? Travel is not recommended for anyone that is sick or if you have been around someone with COVID-19 in the past 14 days.
- How will you travel? Traveling by airplane, bus, train or even stopping at rest stops can lead to virus exposure. Choosing a way to travel that allows you to avoid close contact with others is the most ideal.
Should you choose to travel during this time, we recommend that you continue to follow the CDC recommendations for COVID-19:
- Wear your mask or face covering.
- Clean your hands often and when soiled by washing with soap and water for 20 seconds or using hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Avoid close contact with others by staying 6 feet apart as much as possible.
- Cover coughs and sneezes.
- Limit your exposure to others as often as possible.
To ensure you and your child’s safety, we are continuing to offer telehealth visits, curbside appointments, and are separating ill and healthy appointments. Our team also continues to take extra precautions with cleaning and wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks, gowns, etc. Going forward, we will also require that all patients over the age of two wear a mask for face covering while inside our offices.
All patients coming in for appointments will continue to be screened for travel, symptoms, and possible exposure to COVID-19 prior to the visit. However, we do ask that all patients that have traveled within 14 days prior to any check-up appointment contact our office to determine if an alternative appointment type or rescheduling is necessary.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if we can answer any of your questions or concerns. We also continue to update our website. Facebook page and Instagram account with new information frequently.
Thank you for trusting us for your care needs!
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-in-the-us.html