happy friends on camper van roof
madeleineshort

What would be the safest way to go visit my loved ones?

Question: I was thinking of taking a trip to visit some loved ones. Obviously, I don’t want to unwittingly bring the virus with me. Should I go? If I do go, what would be the safest way to go?

Answer: First off, CDC still recommends that you try and stay home as much as possible, especially if your trip is not essential. That said, seeing loved ones could very well be considered essential! I won’t tell you whether you should go; only you can make that risk/reward calculation. But here’s the challenge in that last statement — how can you make a risk/reward calculation when we still have limited information and when the information we have is not well communicated (in my opinion)?!? If you do decide to go, here are a few recommendations:

  • In General: When it comes to travel, I would avoid prolonged time with groups of people; the longer you are in the company of an infected person, the higher your risk of acquisition (discussed in Q&A of 5/12). Since avoiding prolonged time with groups of people limits risk, for me driving would be my preferred way to visit folks. But even that has drawbacks.
  • Mode of Transport:
    • Planes: NPR had a great story yesterday, “How Risky is It to Fly?” that really works through the pros/cons of flight and how to be the safest if you do choose to fly (avoid the aisle seat; bring hand sanitizer and use it; wipe down your space; wear a mask; try to avoid the toilet; wash your hands, don’t touch your face; try to create space between yourself and others)
    • Trains and buses: We talked challenges of public transport in our Q&A of 3/26. CDC has guidelines for safety of rail transit operators and guidelines for safety of bus transit operators that seem relevant to passengers too. Here, the above suggestions apply. Also, avoid crowded train cars and buses and if you can, open a window! I should note that the transmission risks to bus drivers are high. There have been numerous reports of bus drivers suffering disproportionate levels of infection. In London, for example, as of the beginning of May 28 city bus drivers had died due to COVID-19. Please do your best to protect transit workers — among other things, keep your distance, wear a mask, don’t travel if you’re even a wee bit sick, don’t travel if you’ve recently been exposed to someone who is sick, and express gratitude.
    • Cars: If you choose to take a road trip, there are also a number of things to do to minimize risk. For example, use disposable gloves to pump gas; minimize stops at public places; be extremely vigilant of proper hygiene if you have to use a public restroom. AARP offers a few helpful suggestions. And if you were doing a road trip-type vacation, Forbes offers some helpful tips.
  • Lodging: Pay attention to hygiene standards in making your choice of where to stay. Do some research before you travel. While hotels may have higher hygiene standards, because they also have more shared space (elevators, lobbies, daily cleaning, etc.), in my opinion, they likely carrier higher risk than vacation rentals (here, I’m referring to single-occupancy dwellings rather than sharing a space in someone’s house/apartment).
  • Communication: Talk with your loved ones about shared expectations of time together. Do they want visitors? Are they willing to have you into their home? Would you be comfortable staying with them? How will you work collectively to continue to minimize risks? In addition to all the other adaptations, this new time calls for new conversations.