Travel Guidance

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If you must travel, this guidance offers strategies to protect health and safety as much as reasonably possible.

General Guidance

  • Review and carefully consider whether travel is necessary. 
  • Consider the following when evaluating plans for travel:
  • Mode of travel to destination:
    • Recommend travel by car or RV when possible; limited or no stops is preferred
    • Air, train or bus pose a higher risk.
    • Cruises are currently not recommended.
  • Destination incidence rates and/or increasing positive rates of COVID-19.  If the destination has high rates, reconsider or reschedule the travel. Proceed cautiously if destination has low or moderate rates. 
  • Refer to CDC for further travel guidance.
  • Type of activities during travel:
    • Large group events, such as conferences, public events, concerts, theme parks and public transportation are discouraged as this may increase risk of transmission.
    • Events or gatherings that are currently prohibited by the destination’s Order should not be attended. 
  • Consider the risk of passing COVID-19 to others during travel, especially if you will be in close contact with people who are older adults or have severe chronic health conditions.
  • Do not travel while sick or travel with someone who is sick. 
  • Review State and local orders for current restrictions. Some destinations may have active travel restrictions, stay-at-home or shelter in place orders, mandated quarantines upon arrival, or even state border closures while you are traveling. 
  • Avoid communities that currently are under stay-at-home orders. 
  • While traveling, limit social interaction:
    • Wear a cloth face covering while in public.
    • Encourage non-contact greetings, such as nodding, bowing or waving. Avoid shaking or holding hands, hugging, or kissing.
    • Avoid contact with any person who has had COVID-19.
    • Avoid large gatherings or areas where physical distancing is not possible. 
    • Avoid areas with widespread transmission of COVID-19.
  • When using rental vehicles or shared vehicles, make sure to sanitize the car interior and high-touch surfaces including but not limited to keys, steering wheel, gear shifts, seat belts, etc.
  • When traveling in high traffic areas such as airports, train stations and bus terminals adhere to physical distancing, hand sanitizing guidelines and use facial coverings. 
  • Have a plan in place for taking off from work or school, in case you are exposed to, or sick with, COVID-19.

Travelers Visiting Springfield-Greene County:

When residents of Springfield and Greene County have individuals come to visit, similar precautions, such as increased hand hygiene and cleaning and disinfecting.

  • Visitors should self-monitor for symptoms.  
    • If symptoms develop, seek testing immediately and remain isolated.
  • If a visitor tests positive for COVID-19, others in the household and close contacts should quarantine at home for 14 days and monitor for signs and symptoms of disease.
  • If symptoms develop, seek testing immediately and remain isolated.

Health Guidance

  • Monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 before and during travel.  
  • Reschedule travel if symptoms arise before trip. 
  • Seek medical attention if symptoms arise during trip. 
  • Clean hands often. If soap and water are not available, bring and use hand sanitizer that contains at least 70% alcohol.
  • Contact your primary care provider if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Upon return from travel: 
    • Watch your distance: stay at least 6 feet from others, whether indoors or outdoors.
    • Wear a mask: cover your nose and mouth to prevent the spread of respiratory droplets which carry the virus.
    • Wash your hands: use soap and water or hand sanitizer often.
    • Monitor yourself for symptoms.
    • If you visited a high-risk destination or participated in a high-risk activity, you should also:
  • Contact your primary care provider if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Have a plan in place for taking off from work or school, in case you are exposed to, or sick with, COVID-19.

Cleaning and Disinfecting Guidance

  • When you get to your room or rental property, clean and disinfect all high-touch surfaces. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, remote controls, toilets, and sink faucets.
  • Use a household disinfectant or other personal cleaning supplies, including cloths and disposable gloves.
  • Wash any plates, cups, or silverware (other than pre-wrapped plastic) before using.
  • Pack enough alcohol-based hand sanitizer and keep it in a place that is readily available.

Physical Distancing Guidance

  • Always keep 6 feet of physical distance from others. 
  • Wear cloth face coverings when physical distance cannot be maintained.
  • Adhere to physical distancing when dining in restaurants or other public spaces.