Quarantining After Travel—CDC Now Says Is Not Necessary
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has once again updated its guidelines in regards to the current coronavirus pandemic. This time around, the update involves whether or not to quarantine after having traveled. The agency’s advice now states that it is not required and that you need simply to maintain the same precautions that are suggested in your day-to-day life. These include social distancing of at least six feet and the suggested donning of facial masks when outside the home.
Since the onset of the pandemic, the consensus has been that following any travel that individuals self-quarantine for at least fourteen days. To this day, many cities in the nation, as well as several countries, still have this requirement in place, depending on where you are traveling from and where you are traveling to.
Those coming from Florida had to quarantine in New York, and likewise, those coming from New York had to quarantine in Florida. This continued up until early August. In Hawaii, anyone arriving from any state in the country has to quarantine, regardless.
Just a few weeks ago, this was the guideline that was set down by the CDC. However, it seems now that the guideline has changed. Now the updated guidelines state:
“Regardless of where you traveled or what you did during your trip,”
It is still important to be vigilant and to keep in mind that during your journeys, you could have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus but are not yet aware of it. The CDC emphasizes: “You may feel well and not have any symptoms, but you can be contagious without symptoms and spread the virus to others.”
Although the agency also reminds that those who have traveled may pose a severe risk of exposing those family, friends, and community members to COVID-19 for up to 14 days after they themselves are exposed—the agency would not go as far as suggesting quarantining as they once had.
Does this pivot by the CDC heighten the risk of the spreading of COVID-19 by travelers?