CDC Warns Against Cruises and International Travel

As Covid-19 cases spike around the country and the world, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published a “Level 4 Warning” advising against travel on cruise ships worldwide because “the risk of COVID-19 on cruise ships is very high.” A similar update was issued for international air travel as well.

COVID-19 and Cruise Ship Travel

CDC recommends that all people avoid travel on cruise ships, including river cruises, worldwide, because the risk of COVID-19 on cruise ships is very high. It is especially important that people with an increased risk of severe illness avoid travel on cruise ships, including river cruises. Cruise passengers are at increased risk of person-to-person spread of infectious diseases, including COVID-19, and outbreaks of COVID-19 have been reported on cruise ships. Passengers who decide to go on a cruise should get tested 3-5 days after your trip AND stay home for 7 days after travel. Even if you test negative, stay home for the full 7 days. If you don’t get tested, it’s safest to stay home for 14 days after you travel. Read more here.

Testing and International Air Travel

CDC is recommending that Americans who are choosing to fly out of the country get tested before and after traveling: “1-3 days before your flight” and again “3-5 days after travel.” Even those who test negative upon return should stay home for seven days; 14 for those who do not get tested.

Air travel requires spending time in security lines and airport terminals, which can bring you in close contact with other people and frequently touched surfaces. Social distancing is difficult in busy airports and on crowded flights, and sitting within 6 feet of others, sometimes for hours, may increase your risk of getting COVID-19. How you get to and from the airport, such as with public transportation and ridesharing, can also increase your chances of being exposed to the virus. Testing before and after travel can reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. Testing does not eliminate all risk, but when paired with a period of staying at home and everyday precautions like wearing masks and social distancing, it can make travel safer by reducing spread on planes, in airports, and at destinations. Read more here.