With summer in full swing and the Fourth of July quickly approaching, the Division of Talent and Culture recognizes many faculty and staff are considering whether it is safe to take a personal trip or vacation in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Most states have reopened, which may provide some semblance of normalcy. However, COVID-19 cases continue to rise in many areas across the country.
If you travel this summer, be sure to follow some basic precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Here are a few tips to keep you and your travel companions safe.
The Basics:
Know where you are going – Check out the latest COVID-19 updates for your destination. If there is an outbreak in the area you plan to visit, consider canceling/postponing your trip or take additional precautions while traveling. Also be sure to check travel restrictions and quarantine rules for your destination — some states require visitors to self-quarantine for two weeks upon arrival. Further, if you travel to an area with a COVID-19 outbreak, be extra cautious and monitor your condition when you return.
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Protect yourself and others during your trip – Follow recommended guidelines for preventing the spread of COVID-19, which include:
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Wearing a cloth face covering in public – Cloth face coverings may slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus from transmitting it to others. Several states have mandated the use of face coverings while in public settings.
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Avoiding close contact with others– Maintain six feet of physical distance from others whenever possible.
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Clean your hands often – Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, after touching surfaces frequently touched by others, after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing and before touching your face or eating. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Considerations for Different Types of Travel:
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Car travel – Making stops along the way (e.g., gas, food or bathroom breaks) can put you and your traveling companions in close contact with other people and surfaces.
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RV travel – You may have to stop less often for food or bathroom breaks when traveling in an RV. But RV travel typically means staying at RV parks overnight and getting gas and supplies in other public places. These stops may put you and your travel companions in close contact with others.
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Air travel – Air travel requires spending time in security lines and airport terminals, which can put you in close contact with others and frequently touched surfaces. Most viruses and other germs do not spread easily on flights because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes. However, physical distancing is difficult to maintain on crowded flights. Be sure to check your airline’s COVID-19 policies and precautionary measures beforehand to make sure you are comfortable with them.
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Bus or train travel – Traveling on buses and trains for any length of time can involve sitting or standing within six feet of others.
Anticipate Your Travel Needs:
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Remember the essentials – Bring enough of your medicine to last you for the entire trip. Be sure to pack alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60 percent alcohol) and don’t forget to bring along a cloth face covering (or multiple coverings) for you and your travel companions to wear in public places.
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Eat your meals on the go – Prepare food and water for your trip. Pack non-perishable food items in case stores and restaurants are closed at your destination or along the way.
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Clean your room – Take steps to protect yourself when planning an overnight stay. Consider cleaning and disinfecting your accommodations during your stay following recommended guidance.
Please remember that individuals who are returning to the WVU campuses from any international/cruise ship travel are subject to a 14-day self-quarantine/self-monitoring period. Anyone traveling domestically outside of West Virginia is subject to a 5-day self-quarantine/self-monitoring period. This does not include commuting to work. Due to the nature of their work, WVU clinical faculty, residents and fellows will follow WVU Medicine guidelines on travel. You can review WVU's travel guidelines at https://coronavirus.wvu.edu/faculty-staff/travel/.
Visit the CDC website for more information on staying safe while travelling this summer.
Visit coronavirus.wvu.edu for the latest COVID-19 news and information. Contact coronavirus@mail.wvu.edu with any questions.