Are You Required To Quarantine After International Travel
Traveling is one of the most exciting things that you can do, whether it's for business or pleasure. In recent times, however, the world has been grappling with a pandemic that has restricted travel, particularly international travel. Even though the world is slowly starting to reopen, there are still various restrictions you need to follow when traveling, such as quarantining after international travel.
What is Quarantine?
Quarantine is a restriction imposed on travelers entering a particular region to ensure they do not spread potentially harmful diseases. The period is meant to be a form of isolation to ensure that any traveler who may have contracted the disease does not spread it to others.
The CDC recommends that travelers quarantine themselves for a period of 14 days after returning from international travel. This period is meant to give you enough time to identify whether you have contracted the disease and to seek medical attention if needed.
Do You Need to Quarantine After International Travel?
Whether you will need to quarantine after international travel depends on where you are traveling to and from. The CDC recommends that all international travelers quarantine themselves for 14 days after returning, regardless of their destination.
However, some states have implemented their own quarantine protocols. For instance, New York state requires all individuals entering the state from high-risk areas to quarantine for 14 days or follow a strict testing protocol. Failure to comply with the quarantine protocol can result in fines of up to $10,000.
How to Quarantine After International Travel?
If you have recently returned from international travel, there are specific measures you need to take to quarantine yourself. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to quarantine after international travel:
Step 1: Plan Ahead
You need to plan for your quarantine before you travel. Find a place where you will isolate yourself for 14 days, such as your home or a hotel. Ensure you have enough food, medication, and supplies to last you the entire period.
Step 2: Limit Contact
You must limit contact with anyone else for the entire quarantine period. If you live with others, you must stay in a separate room and use a separate bathroom. Avoid sharing food, drinks, or utensils.
Step 3: Monitor Your Health
During your quarantine period, you need to monitor your health closely. Take your temperature daily and watch out for any symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Step 4: Get Tested
If you begin to experience symptoms during your quarantine period, you should go get tested to confirm if you have contracted the virus or not. You can use the CDC's testing locator to find a testing center near you.
The Bottom Line
Quarantining after international travel is not only a recommendation but also a requirement to stop the spread of COVID-19. It is crucial to take it seriously and follow the guidelines provided by the CDC and your state's health department. Remember to plan ahead, limit contact, monitor your health, and get tested if you experience symptoms.
If we all do our part and follow the guidelines provided by the experts, we can prevent the spread of COVID-19 and ultimately end the pandemic.
