As holiday travel ramps up, not every state is feeling the love in terms of residents leaving and coming back or inviting others over their state lines. Several states have already taken to national news to warn residents of the dangers of hosting large gatherings and travel this year, with many imposing new guidelines that are designed to help keep the spread of COVID-19 low. As the weather gets colder, more and more people are also spending more time inside which only adds to the rapid spread of the virus. The chance for multiple illnesses is also a high risk this year as flu season is well on its way and experts are urging people to get their annual flu shot to avoid getting sick in more ways than one.

As the US sees an increase in cases as a whole, individual states are now trying to protect their winter season and keep rates as low as possible for the upcoming months, especially those which see an uptick in tourists during the season. With the country seeing the highest daily number of cases since the pandemic started, safety and caution are more important than ever.

These States, Specific, Are Advising Against Travel

The most recent state to caution residents against traveling out of state is Vermont, who has since been leading the nation in the lowest cases since the summer. The state has been a model for the US, with an initial rapid response to the pandemic with a lockdown followed by a 'spigot-turning' method, which seems to have been working. With the state seeing an increased number of cases, Governor Phil Scott is now advising residents to be smart this holiday season and avoid travel for the holidays, despite how tough it can be. Dr. Mark Levine, the Health Commissioner, also added. “I am strongly urging people to lay low this season and forego nonessential travel."

phil scott at a press conference for covid
via VT Digger

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The Health Commissioner also added that even smaller gatherings have led to the spread of the virus, making it clear that no matter the size of the gathering, the risk is always present. In a statement issued by Scott, the governor also echoed the Health Commissioner's statements: "I know this is difficult news, especially around the holidays. But by being smart about gatherings and travel now, we can keep schools and our economy open, and we will get through this pandemic faster and on better footing than just about any other state."

governor cuomo at a press conference for covid
via Business Insider

A state joining Vermont's recent statements is New York, which has raged its own battle against the pandemic. At the end of October, Mayor Bill de Blasio issued a statement, saying, "unfortunately, you could be putting yourself and your family in danger and also the risk of bringing the disease back here." Both states have urged staying put because a simple action such as this could potentially save lives in the future.

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