CDC: Have vaccine, can travel
Fully vaccinated people can now safely travel within the United States and internationally if precautions are taken, according to updated CDC guidance released on Friday.
“With millions of Americans getting vaccinated every day, it is important to update the public on the latest science about what fully vaccinated people can do safely, now including guidance on safe travel,” said Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky.
“We continue to encourage every American to get vaccinated as soon as it’s their turn, so we can begin to safely take steps back to our everyday lives. Vaccines can help us return to the things we love about life, so we encourage every American to get vaccinated as soon as they have the opportunity,” Walensky said in a statement.
A person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the last recommended dose of vaccine.
Vaccinated people can travel within the country without needing a coronavirus test or post-travel quarantine so long as they practice precautions such as wearing a mask and socially distancing while traveling, according to the CDC.
Fully vaccinated people can travel internationally without getting a coronavirus test beforehand unless it is required by the foreign destination. They also do not need to quarantine upon return unless required by a state or local jurisdiction.
Vaccinated international travelers should still practice precautions and should have a negative COVID-19 test result before they board a flight to the United States and get a COVID-19 test three to five days after returning from international travel.
Travelers who are unvaccinated, or not yet fully vaccinated, should still get tested one to three days before domestic travel and again three to five days after travel.
They should stay home and self-quarantine for seven days after travel or 10 days if they don’t get tested at the end of travel. The CDC discourages nonessential domestic travel by those who are not fully vaccinated.
The CDC still advises against nonessential travel, regardless of vaccination status, Walensky said in a Friday press briefing.
About 20% of the American population is fully vaccinated, according to Walensky, and on Friday, a record four million shots were administered.