The CDC is still cautioning against domestic and international travel, but as the economy reopens, some are entertaining the idea of hitting the road, while also trying to avoid the virus.
“Going to Florida right now really would mean a lot to us,” says Maureen LaFleur.
For Maureen and her husband Paul, Venice Island, Florida is their happy place.
“It’s a great little town, like stepping back in time and it’s just quiet and relaxing a -- it’s just beautiful,” she says.
The Royal Oak couple owns a condo at the tip of the island, doubling as a rental property during the winter months and a vacation getaway home for them during the summer months.
Normally her entire family would be out there right now but the thought of getting there is causing some anxiety.
“I would prefer to fly because we could probably get down there in three hours, but it’s still being contained in a small space,” she says. “Would it be easier to drive, but then you’re talking 24 hours of travel and stopping at a hotel. We’re a little bit afraid.”
While economies are re-opening across the country, metro Detroiters are re-opening the conversation of how to travel while keeping COVID-19 at bay.
So, I’m talking to infectious disease specialist Joyce Sanchez about what you need to consider.
"Are you someone who's older, are you someone who has a condition that would predispose you to a severe infection and if you got exposed,” she says.
If you are traveling for leisure may not be such a great idea. But if not, then you’ll have to weigh the risks of getting to your destination.
“How long you stay on the airplane as people are disembarking. I think about airport terminals too, some spaces are going to be more cramped than others and there's not a HEPA hospital grade filter,” Sanchez says when asked what concerns her most. “
“They both concern me because there are circumstances that are outside your control,” she says about both airport security and being on the airplane.
Studies have shown that pathogens can be transmitted within 6 feet. On a plane, that means the bad bugs can travel from two rows ahead of or behind you. Driving is a safer option in that you can better control your environment.
As for accommodations?
“In a hotel where there are areas where you have to check in check out, elevator spaces that you may share with other people,” Sanchez says. “I think rental homes you have a lot of control of who comes in and out of the building,”
So, a vacation rental with more limited foot traffic will be a better idea.
Here’s the Rebound Rundown on what you can do to lower your risk.
- Do your research on hotels and airlines before booking.
- Consider only shopping airlines and accommodations that enforce social distancing and require the wearing of personal protection gear.
- If flying, choose to travel at non-peak times.
- And if driving, pack food and snacks to limit the need for restaurant stops.
Additional Coronavirus information and resources:
Click here for a page with resources including a COVID-19 overview from the CDC, details on cases in Michigan, a timeline of Governor Gretchen Whitmer's orders since the outbreak, coronavirus' impact on Southeast Michigan, and links to more information from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the CDC and the WHO.
View a global coronavirus tracker with data from Johns Hopkins University.
Find out how you can help businesses and restaurants struggling during the pandemic.
Also, get information about Rebound Mid Michigan, with stories, information and more about coming back from COVID-19
Join the Rebound Mid Michigan Facebook Group.
See complete coverage on our Coronavirus Continuing Coverage page.
