Vacation

tem from room to room. It’s really a crowded bar, etc. People can spread the virus just by talking loudly. There’s been so many well documented cases of bars and restaurants around the country or a surprise birthday party where everybody gets it, with sometimes tragic outcomes.

Are planes safe?

Airplanes have good air circulation and good filters. You’re not going to get coronavirus if you’re in row 2 and someone in row 30 is coughing. It’s not going to spread that far. The risk is people a couple of rows around you. If everyone wears a mask, the risk is really low. There’s good air circulation if people mask. The problem is people get on the plane and they pull their mask down to their chin. Masks are annoying. I get that. But if everyone on the plane kept their mask on for a two or three hour plane ride, I think the risk is pretty low.

Plane travel is not high risk and the risk can be mitigated by masking.

As an indoor location, planes are much safer than bars or restaurants. to comply with consistent masking. That’s the big difference.

Once you’re at your vacation destination, is it better to try to take as many precautions, such as avoiding going to the grocery store (like getting delivery) or taking other precautions like you would while at home to avoid being indoors with strangers?

I think the biggest thing for people going on vacation _ don’t eat inside. Don’t go to a club or bar inside. Even eating inside, you have to take your mask off inside to eat. If the restaurant has social distancing and dividers and everyone is wearing masks, the risk is lower. But a crowded bar where people are talking loudly, that’s a nightmare scenario.

What about eating outside?

If there’s a breeze and sun, eating outdoors where there are tables spread out, I think that’s lower risk. High-touch areas that get sunlight, the virus does not live on them very long. The virus disappears 10 times as fast when it is hit by UV light.

If you were eating outside, would you still keep your mask on until you eat?

I would try. It’s how close I was to people. I think the risk of aerosols outside is lower. does it depend on how close I am to other people?

The environment where there is sun and breeze is low risk. If you can stay 6 to 8 feet from people, there’s lower risk. But when people are packed together, that’s what makes me cringe. And it’s not being on the beach that is unsafe, it’s going to the club or restaurant while you’re on the beach.

What about international travel?

The risk on a longer flight is probably higher. You’re in a plane for a longer time and poorer compliance on longer rides. It depends on where you go, there are certain hot spots. Anywhere you go in the world, it’s the same precautions _ it’s a longer plane ride and you have to take the same precautions. Many countries also make you quarantine once you’re there, not allowing you to get out.

Speaking of quarantine, if you go on vacation to a state that has higher cases, like the Carolinas or Florida, should you quarantine yourself when you get back?

If you took appropriate precautions when you’re traveling, I don’t think you need to do anything different when you come back. If you went to Florida and you went to nightclubs, you sure are heck should quarantine when you get back.