Traveling To Rehab During The Pandemic
To limit your exposure to COVID-10, take the following steps to protect yourself while you travel.
- Wear a mask to keep your nose and mouth covered when around other people.
- Practice social distancing and remain 6 feet from other people.
- Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid contact with anyone who is sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Traveling By Land Is The Safest
The CDC states that travel increases your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19. Your chances of getting COVID-19 while traveling depends on whether you take steps to protect yourself.
“Airports, bus stations, train stations, and rest stops are all places travelers can be exposed to the virus in the air and on surfaces”, says the CDC. These types of places are where it can be hard to social distance. According to the CDC, “the longer you are around a person with COVID-19, the more likely you are to get infected”.
Making stops along the way for gas, food, or bathroom breaks can put you in close contact with people and frequently touched surfaces. That is why you must take precautions to ensure a safe journey to rehab.
When traveling by car, try to avoid unnecessary stops. When you do stop for necessities, make sure you wear gloves whenever possible, a face covering, practice social distancing, and use hand sanitizer after touching any surfaces.
When traveling by bus, make sure there is ample distance between you and the other passengers. Limit your exposure to commonly touched surfaces by wearing gloves, using hand sanitizer, and avoid touching your face.
Tips From The CDC To Avoid Getting or Spreading COVID-19 in Common Travel Situations:
While In Public:
- Wear a mask in public settings.
- Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from anyone who is not from your household.
Rest Stops and Bathrooms:
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after using the bathroom and after you have been in a public place.
- If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
Getting Gas:
- Use disinfecting wipes on handles and buttons at the gas pumps before you touch them (if available).
- After fueling, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. When you get to your destination, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
While Staying at a Hotel:
- See the CDC’s advice for traveling overnight.
Food Stops:
- The safest option is to bring your own food. If you don’t bring your own food, use drive-through, delivery, take-out, and curb-side pick-up options.
Anticipate Your Travel Needs
- Bring a mask to wear in public places.
- Pack hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Keep this within reach.
- Bring enough of your medicine to last you for the entire trip.
- Pack food and water in case restaurants and stores are closed, or if drive-through, take-out, and outdoor-dining options aren’t available.
- If you are considering cleaning your travel lodgings, see CDC’s guidance on how to clean and disinfect.
Check Travel Restrictions
State, local, and territorial governments may have travel restrictions in place, including testing requirements, stay-at-home orders, and quarantine requirements upon arrival. Follow state, local, and territorial travel restrictions. For up-to-date information and travel guidance, check the state and local health department where you are, along your route, and where you are going. Prepare to be flexible during your trip as restrictions and policies may change during your travel.
