Travel Guidance

Travel increases your chance of spreading and getting COVID-19. The CDC recommends that you do not travel at this time. If you are thinking about traveling, you should consider options that will lower your risk.

If you must travel, here are some strategies to lower your risk:

Lowest Risk 

• Traveling by car or RV with limited or no stops 
• Traveling with members of your direct household 
• Getting fully vaccinated prior to traveling 
• Wearing a mask 
• Participating in outdoor activities at your destination that allow you to maintain 6 feet of physical distancing
• Preparing your own food at your destination 

Moderate Risk

• Traveling by car or RV with frequent or prolonged stops 
• Staying at a hotel or Airbnb 
• Participating in outdoor or indoor activities at your destination without physical distancing 
• Eating outdoors at restaurants 

Highest Risk: These activities should be avoided

• Traveling to another country 
• Traveling by air, train or bus  
• Traveling by cruise ship. This is currently not recommended. 
• Staying with friends or family that are not members of your direct household 
• Participating in indoor activities at your destination where physical distancing can’t be maintained or masking isn’t required 
• Eating indoors at restaurants  
• Attending large social gatherings such as weddings or funerals  
• Attending large group events, such as conferences, public events, concerts, theme parks and other large events  

While Traveling, Limit Social Interaction

• Wear a cloth face covering while in public, even if fully vaccinated.
• 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.

Upon Return from Travel

• The CDC recommends getting tested with a PCR test three to five days after travel AND to stay home and self-quarantine for a full seven days after travel. For a list of testing options in Greene County click here. You may coordinate COVID-19 testing with the Health Department by calling the 874-1211.
• All international air passengers coming to the United States, including U.S. citizens, are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before boarding a flight to the United States.  
• Refer to CDC for further travel guidance.

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 10 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 testing immediately 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.
• 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:
  • Stay home as much as possible.
  • Avoid interacting with people who are at higher-risk for severe symptoms from 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.

For additional information regarding travel:  

• Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic
• Know Your Travel Risk
• Know When to Delay Your Travel to Avoid Spreading COVID-19