Coronavirus Your Fear And The Facts: Should I Travel
The recent outbreak from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has the world in a panic and for good reason. There is still a lot that we don’t know about this virus.
All that we hear and see when we turn on the TV, go online or log into Facebook is something about this outbreak. There are videos of people rushing out to the store to stock up on toilet paper and hand sanitizer like it is the day after Thanksgiving.
Fear and panic are all around us, everywhere we look. Neighbors are eyeing neighbors. People are stockpiling food and household essentials. In my 36 years of life, I have never seen such a global panic.
There seem to be more questions than answers. We are afraid to leave our homes and send our kids to school. Every day more and more planned events and gatherings like concerts, conventions, sporting events, group gatherings, work outings, museums, zoos, and travel are being canceled or banned until at least April.
I have done research on people’s worries and fears regarding the coronavirus. Sifting through all of the overwhelming information. I have tried to include all of the important information in an understandable format for everyone.
Should we prepare for the worst and what is worst? What will I expect if I choose to travel during this global pandemic and how should I plan? What to do if you get sick? Who is most at risk and should not travel at all?
This outbreak is causing widespread panic, fear, and anxiety. If you decide to travel after learning about the current risks and precautions please check out my other article on How to Manage Fear and Anxiety While Traveling.
Table of Contents
The Main Facts
To begin, I would recommend checking out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the most up to date scientific information on the coronavirus outbreak. There is a lot of information provided and it can get a little overwhelming. But it has up to date information for any questions you may have. I will cover the main bullets and important information here.
First Detections
This new virus was first detected in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. They have found evidence that it began at a seafood and live animal market that is called a “wet market”. The original spreading of the virus was from an animal to a human. Now COVID-19 is spreading rapidly from human to human and is extremely contagious.
On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization or WHO declared the outbreak a “public health emergency of international concern”. On March 11, 2020, the WHO publicly characterized the virus as a pandemic.
How It Spreads
- It is spread through person-to-person contact with one another about 6 feet
- It spreads through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes
- The droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly inhaled into the lungs
- It is possible to spread the virus through a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching your face
Locations with Confirmed COVID-19 Cases
As of 12:00 p.m. ET March 19, 2020
COVID-19 US – As of 04/04/2020
- Total cases: 277,205
- Total deaths: 6,593
- Jurisdictions reporting cases: 55 (50 states and District of Columbia)
Traveling Information
CDC Geographic Risk Assessment Levels
The CDC has established geographic risk-stratification criteria for the purpose of issuing travel health notices for countries with COVID-19 transmission and guiding public health management decisions for people with potential travel-related exposures to COVID-19.
They base this on 3 levels:
Warning – Level 3, Avoid Nonessential Travel—Widespread Sustained Transmission
Alert – Level 2, Sustained Community-Level Transmission—Special Precautions for High-Risk Travelers
Watch – Level 1, Practice Usual Precautions
The following destinations are declared a level 3 from the CDC’s website:
Widespread sustained (ongoing) spread and restrictions on entry to the United States
CDC recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to the following destinations. The entry of foreign nationals from these destinations has been suspended.
- China (Level 3 Travel Health Notice)
- Iran (Level 3 Travel Health Notice)
- Most of Europe (Level 3 Travel Health Notice)
Widespread sustained (ongoing) spread
CDC recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to the following destinations:
- South Korea (Level 3 Travel Health Notice)
Sustained (ongoing) community spread
CDC recommends that older adults or those who have chronic medical conditions consider postponing travel to the following destinations:
- Global Outbreak Notice (Level 2 Travel Health Notice)
Travel Precautions
If you decide to travel there are some basic safety precautions that you should take.
Firstly and most importantly you should NOT TRAVEL if you have any of these following conditions:
- Older adults, with risk increasing by age.
- People who have serious chronic medical conditions like:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Lung disease
CDC has developed guidance to help in the risk assessment and management of people with potential exposures to COVID-19.
More precautions include registering with the U.S. Embassy or the Embassy of your country of origin. They will keep you updated with any changes or emergencies for your travel destination. If you do have an emergency they can assist you as to the next steps to get you to safety.
You should also obtain travel health insurance. This is a very important step that you need to take before traveling outside of your county of origin. Health insurance in the US does NOT cover any medical expenses outside of the US. This is especially important with the coronavirus outbreak. Make sure you do not put yourself in a dangerous situation without medical help.
Check with your airline and see what your options are in case you need to cancel or reschedule your flight due to the coronavirus. Also, keep in mind that there is a traveling ban into the US from Europe for at least 30 days for foreign nationals and could possibly be extended. Future travel bans could go into effect so be prepared.
If there are additional travel bans make sure you have enough funds to extend your travel budget for at least 14 days.
When flying you should bring with you a travel disinfecting and medical kit. This should include:
- Disinfecting wipes – you should wipe down all nonporous surfaces like the tray table, armrests, seatbelt buckle, onboard entertainment screen, and headrest.
- Hand sanitizer
- Medical mask
- Medications for symptoms like fever, cough, and body aches
- Your own pillow or neck pillow
- Your own blanket
Also, keep in mind the virus is spread through your eyes, mouth, and nose so reframe from touching your face.
To Travel Or Not To Travel… That Is The Question
If you check flights they are extremely affordable. This could be your opportunity to see and experience new cultures for a fraction of the price.
But what you need to ask yourself is, is it worth it. We really don’t know the long term effects of this virus. We only have one life. If you contract the coronavirus your body could react badly compared to someone else.
The CDC says that reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.
The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
Things are going to get worse before they get better. When choosing to travel you should take into account all that we know about this virus. Are you at a higher risk of becoming extremely ill? This virus is extremely contagious. Putting yourself at risk could be potentially life-threatening. It is best to take all precautions and help to keep this virus from spreading.
We need to all work together in keeping this virus at bay. If you are feeling ill stay home and follow the CDC regulations for self-quarantine. If your symptoms become life-threatening call your doctor before going in to see them.
Choose wisely and travel safely. Remember my new travel friends, we are all in this together.