How to travel safely in Covid

November 17, 2021 2:54 AM

We are a family of three (two adults in their early thirties and a toddler) who are looking to travel from Australia to Charlotte, North Carolina next year for a few weeks. The reason behind the trip are complicated, but please trust that they are valid and I think that this trip does need to happen next year. Can you help me to make this trip as "covid safe" as possible?

Further details:

* Both adults are double vaxxed with Pfizer. We will also get a booster before the trip if we can.

* Child is still being breastfed, so hopefully is getting some protection through that.

* I am thinking we should isolate at home for at least two weeks before our trip, and then again when we return (the isolating when we return would possibly be required by law).

* We would get tested for covid at multiple points (probably before leaving Australia, after we arrive in the US, before leaving the US, after arriving back in Australia?)

* We would do the basics such as masks, sanitiser etc

* When we are in the United States, we most likely wouldn't be doing a lot in terms of going out. We would try to find accommodation where we can cook, try to avoid crowded indoor activities etc.

What else am I not thinking of?

Should I try to plan the trip for a particular time of year?

Thanks!

posted by anonymous to Travel & Transportation (8 answers total)

Sounds like you are planing on doing more for COVID than most people in this area are right now. Currently in the Charlotte area masks are optional most places (no city/state mandates remain in place though some private businesses are requiring them) otherwise we are back to large in person events (sports, concerts, ect) though again different venues have different requirements, including some entertainment venues requiring proof of vaccination before entry. If those will still be in place in 6 months is anyones guess, will probably depends on how the holiday season goes re: COVID infection rates.

Non-COVID advice for the Charlotte area the summers are very hot and humid so if you want to do outdoor activities or see some specific scheduled event spring (March-May) or Fall (late Sepetember-November) would be your better bets.
posted by Captain_Science at 3:30 AM on November 17, 2021

Should I try to plan the trip for a particular time of year?

Not withstanding heat/humidity - purely in terms of infection rates - infection rates for most airborne nasties decrease significantly from late spring to early autumn
posted by koahiatamadl at 3:34 AM on November 17, 2021

Yes, go when the weather is mildest so you can be outside as much as possible. If you can, find a place to stay that has operable windows and a yard. Try looking on AirBNB or VRBO for a small whole house to rent.
posted by mareli at 5:21 AM on November 17, 2021

I wish more people who lived in the United States were as responsible as you!

You may or may not have thought of this, but if you haven't, the quality of the masks you use and the seal/fit makes a big difference. For example, I often use a K95 mask with mask tape so that it seals completely in the nose area (and stops my glasses from fogging up!) Or you can wear a cloth mask over a surgical mask to get a better seal, as well--I remember some articles about studies done on this. I'd recommend doing some research and experimentation with this before you go.
posted by Squalor Victoria at 6:18 AM on November 17, 2021

It sounds like you don’t intend to really “visit” North Carolina, just being present in Charlotte in which case you probably already know the main COVID precautions. Grocery stores can really vary in mask adherence (I find Harris teeter and Publix to be a bit better on that front but this also changes at individual locations.) many stores now offer grocery pick up options which can definitely lower the need to be exposed.

If you’d like to be able to go to restaurants outdoors and the like, consider visiting in the late March to May time period where temperatures are mildest and most conducive to outdoor activities.

Captain_Science, there has been a mask mandate for Mecklenburg county for the last few months, though many have ignored it or not enforced it. That being said, that mandate will likely expire very soon (within the week) as the positivity rate approaches 5%.
posted by raccoon409 at 8:04 AM on November 17, 2021

Oh, the NCDHHS (North Carolina Health and Human Services) Facebook, Instagram and website are all very good if you’d like to stay up to date there. I prefer Instagram myself as then I don’t deal with the Facebook comments and they give better day by day updates there than the website but the website has a wealth of info as well.
posted by raccoon409 at 8:06 AM on November 17, 2021

Huh....that we do. I really lost track of if there was still an official 'Mandate' in place, I guess given how few places seem to be enforcing it.
posted by Captain_Science at 8:53 AM on November 17, 2021

I would suggest bringing disposable masks you trust, especially if they are KF95--those that also protect you. Americans are mostly wearing cloth masks (if that). There's not strong evidence of people getting COVID on flights, but I wore a respirator on the flight and didn't eat or drink when everyone else did--waited maybe a half hour or hour later to do so.
posted by jennybento at 1:51 AM on November 20, 2021