Everyone knew the holidays would look different this year. What some didn't expect was for the CDC to discourage travel and even go as far as saying it's 'recommended' that Americans don't go anywhere this season. The way it was put was blunt, to say the least, with the CDC's COVID-19 incident manager releasing a statement that jarred many who were considering travel, into the reality we're facing - where the risk, sometimes, does not outweigh the reward.
Dr. Henry Walke's statement reads as follows: "The tragedy that could happen is that one of your family members is coming to this family gathering and they could end up severely ill, hospitalized or dying. And we don’t want that to happen. These times are tough, it’s been a long outbreak, almost 11 months, and we understand people are tired."
With a mix of trepidation and frustration, statements have been issued up until now that says any holiday travel is risky, but this is the first time the CDC - and many other medical professionals - have come forward to advise travelers to stay home, once and for all, this holiday season.
What You Need To Know
Travel + Leisure has an ongoing list of requirements for those seeking to travel, however, for many states, crossing the state lines won't be easy this year. The challenges of travel are intentional, as many travelers must face the fact that this pandemic is unlike anything seen before, including in the way the infection spreads, as well as the way it often goes undetected. As those infected could be contagious up to a full two weeks prior to feeling sick - or even go asymptomatic while still being contagious the entire time - spreading the virus is as simple as forgetting to wash your hands, touching your mask (or not wearing one), or, sadly, in this case, hugging a loved one.
Dr. Fauci, who has been one of the driving forces behind the attempt to get the spread of COVID-19 under control, recommends a 'risk-benefit assessment' for those who are even considering travel this holiday season. A gathering doesn't need to be large in order for the virus to be spread, as has been proven in several states where small gatherings were the source of many outbreaks, including those held for Halloween. The spikes followed two weeks later like clockwork, and this is the same science that the CDC is using to determine that traveling for the winter holidays is far from safe this year.
Dr. Fauci is encouraging travelers to ask these questions about their travel plans, specifically: Is the gathering indoors? Will it be a group of ten people or more? Has anyone been tested, and who is coming from other states? The biggest wildcard and perhaps the reason why the virus has caught so many off-guard is the fact that trust has become a factor. For those gathering with their families, it's presumed that every family member can be trusted to have done the right thing - and by the 'right thing,' hand-washing, mask-wearing, and social distancing are implied. This year, it could literally mean putting one's life in the hands of another, and the CDC recommends using your own personal judgment and, if there's any semblance of doubt or risk associated, and even if there's not, stay home to save lives.