Similar to nearly every industry in the world, the travel industry has been seriously affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether it be border closings, quarantine requirements, or flight cancellations due to short-staffed airlines, traveling has become a complicated endeavor. However, not all is lost and many people are still able to travel. They just must take extra precautions and steps to be as safe as possible. When traveling internationally many countries now require proof of vaccination. There is a little bit of leniency when traveling domestically. People who were exposed to COVID-19 or tested positive for COVID-19 are still prohibited from traveling domestically. But, others can move about the country as long as they follow certain protocols.

If you are planning on traveling anytime soon, there are some things you may be wondering. You may be asking yourself, is it necessary for people traveling domestically to be fully vaccinated? Is it a requirement for people traveling domestically to be tested for COVID-19? If so, where can I get a COVID test near me?

Getting Tested Before a Trip

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people not fully vaccinated delay their plans to travel domestically. If a person is not fully vaccinated and has to travel, the CDC recommends getting tested before and after a trip. Luckily, there are multiple locations for a person to be tested for COVID-19. 

Waiting for Test Results

What if you have recently been tested for COVID-19 and are still waiting for the test results? If you are still waiting for your test results, the CDC recommends postponing your travel plans until your results come back. This is for your safety, as well as the safety of other people with whom you may come into contact while traveling.

Coming Back from a Trip

Suppose you are not fully vaccinated and have just returned from traveling. In that case, the CDC recommends following specific procedures such as self-quarantining for a full seven days and getting tested three to five days after returning from your trip. All travelers should self-quarantine and get tested if they are experiencing any symptoms, including those who are vaccinated. 

These recommendations are in place because although a traveler may feel fine after a trip and not experience any COVID symptoms, that person might still be carrying the virus and spreading it to others. If you discover that your test results were positive, you are advised to isolate yourself and focus on protecting others.

Reasons Not to Travel

In addition to waiting for the results of your COVID-19 test, other reasons not to travel domestically include being exposed to or recovering from COVID-19 in the past 90 days, feeling sick, or testing positive for COVID-19, and not being able to complete the isolation period. Even if those who are not fully vaccinated decide to travel domestically, there are still some COVID-19 restrictions that must be followed in different states. Many public establishments require the use of face masks for both vaccinated and unvaccinated patrons, and some establishments will not allow you inside without proof of vaccination.

Find a COVID Test Near Me

Scheduling an appointment for a COVID test near me does not have to be complicated. Contact UrgentMED for help finding the nearest testing site near you. We offer appointments and walk-in testing for your convenience.