CDC Lifts 14 Day Quarantine Recommendation

The CDC has updated the recommendations to advise travelers to "follow state, territorial, tribal and local recommendations or requirements after travel” removing the recommendations for the 14 day quarantine for those returning from international destinations or areas with a high concentration of coronavirus cases. 

Although the 14 day quarantine recommendation has been removed the CDC still notes that those who have been exposed may still pose a risk of infecting others for up to 14 days. The CDC recommends that travelers follow distancing guidelines, wear a mask outside of your home, wash your hands frequently, and monitor for symptoms upon return home "regardless of where you traveled or what you did during your trip.”

"You may have been exposed to COVID-19 on your travels," the CDC’s page on traveling amid a pandemic reads. "You may feel well and not have any symptoms, but you can be contagious without symptoms and spread the virus to others. You and your travel companions (including children) pose a risk to your family, friends and community for 14 days after you were exposed to the virus."

Each state appears to have their own mix of quarantine requirements and recommendations for visitors and Americans returning home from travel out of state as well as from out of country. Some are discouraging interstate travel by recommending or even requiring that travelers quarantine while others require a recent negative test in lieu of a quarantine policy. 

Regardless, as every state has their own thing going rather than a unified approach, meaning that anyone who is looking forward to taking a road trip or vacation should check up on government as well as individual state websites where ever the destination may be, and for any destinations that you plan to stop at to see what the restrictions are, if any. Don’t forget to check up on your home location for the way back as well, just to be sure.

For example, non-Alaska residents are required to have a negative COVID-19 test that was taken within 72 hours of arrival there, or proof that they are waiting on results for a test taken within that 72 hour period. Non-residents without the pretest can get one on arrival for $250 per person, but the test will be free for Alaska residents returning home. Additionally, travelers will be required to stay in quarantine while waiting for the results, and entry will be denied if there is a positive result.