TRAVEL WARNINGS

In a time when everything can change from one day to another it is important to have a few reliable resources to help us stay up-to-date.    

You will always find the most accurate updates regarding COVID19 here:
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​World Health Organization's (WHO)
​Center for Disease Control and Prevention
​US State Department Passport Operations

Please get your COVID19 Information from a reliable source.

There is a lot of information about the Corona Virus - but not all you read or hear on TV is correct.  CDC - Center of Disease Cotrol's website is a reliable source that you can trust: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/ .  Here you will find the latest updates on the virus, as well as symptoms, prevention & treatment. 

COVID-19 Testing Requirement

​Mandatory testing to enter the US for all travelers as of January 26th, 2021
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On January 12, 2021, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced a new mandatory COVID-19 testing requirement for all international arrivals to the USA. Beginning January 26, 2021, all inbound international travelers from an out-of-country destination will be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test before returning to the United States.

I encourage you to visit CDC’s website for the most accurate and updated information. Click here to review the CDC FAQ’s.

CDC Testing Requirements:

• All international travelers bound for the United States will need a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within 72 hours prior to departure.  Requirement applies to all nationalities including US, and also those only connecting in the US.
• Written documentation of the results (either paper or electronic copy) must be provided to the airline before boarding and must include the name and information of the laboratory or health professional.  Test must include date and name of passenger in addition to provider contact information.
• Those unwilling to be tested will be denied boarding by the airline.
• In lieu of a new COVID-19 viral test, passengers may also provide evidence of having recovered from COVID-19, with documentation of test results conducted within three months of the flight date from a foreign country.
• Vaccination does NOT qualify as proof of meeting this requirement.  Documentation of negative or positive test with recovery is still required.
• Those testing positive in destination must self isolate and delay their return travel until symptoms disappear and pre-departure test result is negative.
• If a flight delay causes the test to fall outside the 72 hour pre-departure testing period required, then a retest will be needed before being able to board next leg of the journey.
• Documentation in addition to attestation statement must be presented to the airline at check-in, at the international departure airport.  Please know that you may be requested to show this information once again when you land on US soil.
• The CDC also recommends getting tested again three to five days after arrival and quarantining for seven days post-travel.

Effective 1/26/21 passengers 2 years or older flying in to the US from international origins must provide:

• Proof of negative COVID-19 viral test administered within 72 hours of departure to return to the US, OR
• For those with a positive COVID-19 viral test in the prior 3 months,  documentation of their positive viral test results and a letter from their healthcare provider or public health official stating that they have been cleared for travel.

*  A mandatory quarantine upon return back to the US will most likely be announced by early February, along with a requirement for an additional COVID Test to be done 3-5 days after your return.

During this time I recommend that anyone deciding to travel have travel insurance, and that you understand all of the terms and conditions.  Should you need help purchasing a policy I can help you with this.  I work with most major travel insurance companies.  

I strongly recommend that you don't purchase a policy from an airline, cruise line or tour company, as these policies are not as comprehensive and may not reimburse you in cash, but instead future travel credit.  

Global COVID-19 Pandemic Notice

Warning - Level 3, Avoid Nonessential Travel

Key Points

• Widespread ongoing transmission of a respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is occurring globally.
• CDC recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential international travel.
• Older adults and people of any age with serious chronic medical conditions are at increased risk for severe disease.
• There may be limited access to adequate medical care in affected areas.
• US residents may have difficulty returning to the United States.
• Travelers should avoid contact with sick people and wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• All international travelers should stay home for 14 days after returning from travel, monitor their health, and practice social distancing.​

WHO’s standard recommendations for the general public to reduce exposure to and transmission of a range of illnesses are as follows, which include hand and respiratory hygiene, and safe food practices:

• Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water;
• When coughing and sneezing cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – throw tissue away immediately and wash hands;
• Avoid close contact with anyone who has fever and cough;
• If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing seek medical care early and share previous travel history with your health care provider;
• When visiting live markets in areas currently experiencing cases of novel coronavirus, avoid direct unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces in contact with animals;
• The consumption of raw or undercooked animal products should be avoided. Raw meat, milk or animal organs should be handled with care, to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods, as per good food safety practices.

What is the current situation?
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CDC recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential international travel.
The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19. In countries where commercial travel options remain available, U.S. citizens should arrange for immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite length of time. For more information about possible travel restrictions, contact your destination's U.S. Embassy or Consulate or visit the Department of State website.

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CDC Zika Virus Warning
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging pregnant women — at any stage of pregnancy — to consider postponing travel to areas with Zika. Please review all countries and territories with active zika virus transmission by reviewing the report provided by the CDC.

The CDC advises if you must travel to one of these areas, talk to your healthcare provider first and strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites during your trip. 

Top 5 Things Everyone Needs to Know About ZIka provided by the CDC

1. Zika primarily spreads through infected mosquitoes. You can also get Zika through sex.
2. The best way to prevent Zika is to prevent mosquito bites.
3. Zika is linked to birth defects.
4. Pregnant women should not travel to areas with Zika
5. Returning travelers infected with Zika can spread the virus through mosquito bites.

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Follow these steps to prevent mosquito bites during your trip. If Zika is in your area, here are some key facts and tips on prevention. 
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Specific areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing are often difficult to determine and are likely to change over time.  
For more information, please visit  CDC.gov/travel/notices.  

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