Is It Safe To Travel As The Delta Variant Spreads Rapidly? Here’s What You Need To Know
After almost more than a year, it seemed that the deathly crisis of COVID-19 was taking a significant turn. The number of COVID-19 positive cases dropped, and the countries were gradually reopening to droves of travel enthusiasts who were busy making their summer itinerary. AAA Travel claims the bookings increased at least 11% over 2019, and more people were planning trips for Labor Day through 2022.
However, with the resurgence of COVID-19 cases due to the emergence of deathly variants, travelers are left baffled whether they need to cancel their travel plans. The delta variant of coronavirus is making news headlines. As of September 13, 2021, the UK had reported the highest number of SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant cases, around 394,956. On July 30, 2021, Florida alone reported 21,683 new cases- shattering its single-day record of cases since the beginning of the pandemic. These lead travelers to contemplate whether they must take the trips and how to reduce the risk and increase travel safety.
To help you guide through your late-summer and fall travel planning further, we have done the extensive legwork for you. We have compiled a comprehensive guide that will help you comprehend the essentials and safe trip ideas you must absolutely know before going knee-deep with your travel plans as the delta variant spreads rapidly.
Let’s dive straight in.
Why Is The Delta Variant Dangerous?
There are innumerable variants around the globe currently. However, the delta variant (aka B16172) is considered the most contagious one and can cause severe illnesses. It was first detected in October in India, where it caused a massive outbreak.
Presently, the World Health Organization claims its spread to at least 132 countries worldwide. The CDC has claimed it to be a ‘variant of concern’. In early July, it became the dominant strain in the US, causing unprecedented and record-breaking surges across the country.
The delta variant is roughly twice as infectious as earlier COVID-19 variants. Since this specific variant is twice as transmissible, younger people with the inclusion of low-risk individuals and children can develop severe symptoms.
By far, the greatest risk is for the individuals who aren’t vaccinated. This is simply as they are far more likely to catch the delta variant, and spread more frequently with excessive viral loads. Dr. Brad Bowman, the chief medical officer of Healthgrades, strongly asserts, “Current trends suggest that anyone not vaccinated will not catch the Delta. And, fully vaccinated people may catch and spread the Delta. So, people need to be careful to minimize all exposure.”
Vaccinations Minimize The Risk Hugely
Though vaccinated individuals can spread and catch the delta variant significantly, the vaccines are extremely effective at protecting against severe illness. According to a recent study, the Pfizer vaccine was 92 percent effective at combating the Delta variant. Similarly, another study asserted researchers found the effectiveness of Moderna’s vaccine against infection from the Delta variant was 76 percent.
This implies vaccinated travelers can move about with a hugely reduced risk, especially if other preventive measures like social distancing and mask-wearing are used carefully. However, the vaccination status is incredibly vital when it comes to travel.
Numerous destinations, especially the international ones- require solid proof of vaccination to enter. Different domestic cities also require the same kind of documentation to enter the premises of several indoor establishments. Thus, it becomes incredibly challenging to travel if you are not properly vaccinated. It is also crucial to note that both international and domestic destinations can be riskier due to the vaccination rates in those areas.
Furthermore, since vaccinated individuals can get infected asymptomatically still and transmit the virus to others, it becomes crucial for them to consider who can be exposed.
Should You Choose To Cancel Your Travel Plans?
Whether you need to cancel or push through with your travel plans depends on numerous crucial factors. According to Keri Althoff, PhD, an epidemiologist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, “Changes to travel plans should be considered on your destination and what you plan to do there, how you are getting there, and your risk tolerance.”
Experts also recommend that travel groups having a mixed vaccination status with the inclusion of those with children who are not yet eligible to be vaccinated must reconsider their trip, especially if there is a surge of Covid-19 cases in the planned destination.
Again, if you have members of your family who are unvaccinated or vaccinated but more vulnerable to the infection, it is wise to choose another destination or delay the travel. Even if there are lower infection rates of the planned destination, it is vital to be vigilant.
Know About Covid-19 Mandatory Testing And Travel
Multiple international destinations require a negative COVID-19 test from 72 hours or sooner before arrival. This stands true even if you are vaccinated in certain places.
Additionally, in the opinion of Java assignment help stalwarts who have designed various RTPCR booking websites state all travelers flying to the US or any other country from abroad are still required to have a negative COVID-19 test result. It should be no more than three days before the travel or documentation of recovery from the infection in the past three months before they can board the flight.
Due to all this testing, you might believe it is safe to travel. However, it is significant to consider the life cycle of the virus. In such circumstances, testing is incredibly helpful as it can easily identify someone who is infected and capable of transmitting the virus to others before they get on the flight. However, it is also significant to know that if you were exposed within 72-hours before getting on the plane, you could easily transmit the virus to others three to five days later.
This is mainly why the CDC suggests even fully vaccinated travelers to get tested three to five days after traveling internationally. It is also important to get tested in that period, even if you are traveling in crowded locations or the hot spot of COVID-19.
Foolproof Tips For Travelling Safely Domestic Or Internationally
- Choose A Bed-And-Breakfast To Unwind
As long as this hugely transmissible delta variant poses an active threat, it is always best to stay away as much as from crowded places possible. Opt to go for smaller accommodation choices than sprawling hotels and resorts. Bed-and-breakfast tends to be of smaller capacity and with fewer people going in and out, so there are fewer chances for you to come into contact with someone who may be COVID-positive and doesn’t know it.
- Go For A Rental At The Beach Or In Mountains
Travelers must look for private accommodations while traveling, like a beach house, a cabin in the woods, or a vacation rental in a rural setting to get even more space for strangers. You can also opt to go for a privately rented beach house where you can take a walk on the beach or barbeque in the backyard.
- Consider Alternative Transportation Methods
Try to choose a destination where you can drive instead of flying. If you need to fly, try figuring out if there is any way to choose lightly traveled routes.
- Carry Hand Sanitizer
Travel-sized hand sanitizer has become a staple item to carry over the last year. When purchasing a sanitizer, ensure the formula consists of at least 60% of alcohol, as advised by the CDC.
- Mask Up
Masks must always be at the top of your packing list, as the masking guidelines and requirements are bound to vary from one place to another. N95 masks are hugely effective at safeguarding people against catching or transmitting the virus to others. If you do not have an N95, double masking or cloth masks with filters reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 significantly. Also, ensure to carry along disinfecting wipe and a thermometer to protect and monitor your health.
Wrapping Up,
After more than a year of cutting back on travel plans, the avid travelers have been eager to hit the roads and airports this come summer and fall. However, the delta variant is making things overly complicated- both at home and around the world. Thus, it is essential to play your part to keep yourself and others safe to avert the spread of COVID-19.
Ensure to think and plan thoroughly; follow the CDC guidance related to the vaccines, mask –wearing, and other recommendations to make the most out of your traveling in the delta variant era.
Author Bio
Suhana Williams is a programming consultant and an avid travel blogger. Professionally, she has been working as a Java programming assignment help stalwart at MyAssignmenthelp.com for 10+ years now. She has traveled to more than 34 countries on all 7 continents and is a hardcore truffle lover.
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