Health Service Travel Advice from Dr. Mark Reed
Dear Students,
Wherever you may be, and whether or not you have been taking classes this term, we know that many of you will be traveling in the coming weeks. With the number of cases rising regionally, nationally, and internationally, I'm writing to share some basic travel advice that can help reduce risk during the upcoming holiday season.
As you all know, cases are on the rise. Travel presents risks and many of you will be returning to areas that have a higher incidence of COVID than we have here on campus.
Basic guidelines remain the most important:
- Wear face coverings
- Keep at least 6 feet apart from others
- Avoid touching your face
- Frequently wash your hands
Eating at restaurants and bars has been associated with increased spread of COVID-19:
- Avoid when possible (including food and beverage services in airport, bus or train terminals)
- If you need to get food while traveling, order your food with your mask on, then wash your hands and eat in a less crowded area where you have 6 ft of distance between yourself and others
When traveling by public conveyance (airplane, bus, train)
- Try to wear your face covering for the entire journey
- Liberally use hand sanitizer when touching other surfaces
- Avoid touching your face
Holiday Gathering Principles
- All the principles above remain true (face coverings, 6 ft, frequent hand washing)
- The incubation period for COVID can be up to 14 days -- stay vigilant!
- Indoor gatherings generally pose more risk than outdoor gatherings
- Indoor gatherings with poor ventilation pose more risk than those with good ventilation
- Recirculated air can increase risk (open windows and doors may reduce risk)
- Regular cleaning of frequently touched surfaces may reduce risk (table tops, door handles, faucet/toilet handles, refrigerator door etc)
Please see the link below regarding travel over the break and Holiday gatherings from the CDC.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html
Some of you have asked about the benefits of COVID testing around travel. Some states or countries will want evidence of a negative COVID test within 48-72 hours of travel. If you are on/near campus you can arrange for your last surveillance test to be 24-36 hours before you travel. If you are not near campus you can speak to your local primary care provider about testing options.
Being tested after arrival at your destination to determine if you have contracted COVID during travel is more complicated. The incubation period for COVID is 2-14 days, so getting tested as soon as you arrive at your destination will be of limited benefit. The average incubation period is 4-5 days and most people will test positive within 7 days after exposure, so testing 5-7 days after arriving at your destination would be of some benefit (though it doesn't guarantee you won't be one of the few that converts 7-14 days after exposure). Most states require quarantine upon arrival for 14 days regardless of post-travel test results.
Health Service clinicians will continue to be available through the exam period and the break. If you are concerned about a possible exposure or need advice, please don't hesitate to contact us at 603-646-9400. Our staff are here to help, and all consultations are confidential.
Wishing you and your family a Happy and Healthy Holiday season-
Dr. Mark Reed
Director, Dartmouth College Health Service