CDC Guidelines Update

Hey Hey There!!! It has been a while since I have sent out a newsletter, but I am trying to get back into the swing of things. Moving forward I will definitely be keeping you updated on the travel news and guidelines, especially since things change so frequently.

This last year has been rough. Cancelled travel plan after cancelled travel plan has really taken a toll on the travel industry, but we must do what we have to in order to stay safe during these unprecedented times. I did manage to take a few trips last year, but I will catch you up on those later.

Today I want to give you a quick update you all up on the most recent CDC travel guidelines. If you recall, President Joe Biden signed a slew of Executive Orders during the first 24 hours of his presidency. One of those executive orders involved travel. Specifically, in section 5 of the Executive Order on Promoting COVID-19 Safety in Domestic and International Travel, he states we are required to have proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test prior to entry into the U.S. Additionally, it states that we are required to follow CDC guidelines regarding international travel.

Let’s back up for a moment to the negative COVID-19 test requirement. The CDC announced that beginning January 26, 2021 all air passengers traveling to the United Stated would require a negative COVID test to board their flight to the United States. Some important things to take away from this new requirement are:

1. U.S. citizens are subject to this new requirement.

2. You are not exempt from this requirement if you have the COVID-19 vaccination.

3. You can avoid the testing requirement if you provide paperwork from a medical provider indicating you have had COVID-19 within the last three months and you have been cleared to travel.

There is much more included in this new requirement. You can read all the details here. It is important that if you are traveling internationally, that you arrange testing prior to coming home. You need to be tested and receive results within 3 days of returning home. Luckily, many resorts in various Caribbean countries are offering testing for free or deeply discounted rates to their U.S. customers. Jamaica has even gone a step further to offer rapid test at the airport prior to departure. It’s important that you plan accordingly.

The CDC has updated their website as of February 2, 2021 to provide updated guidance for what you should do after international travel. Per their guidance you should Get tested with a viral test 3-5 days after travel AND stay home and self-quarantine for a full 7 days after travel. Even if you test negative, stay home and self-quarantine for the full 7 days. If your test is positive, isolate yourself to protect others from getting infected. If you don’t get tested, stay home and self-quarantine for 10 days after travel. You can read more of this guidance here. Now, I am not sure how this is going to be enforced. I will be looking out for that information in the coming days. If and when I hear anything, I will let you know. I thought it was important that this information be shared with you, because some may not have the luxury of quarantining.

If you have any questions about these newly implemented guidelines feel free to reach out to me.  I am always here to assist you.