Manhattan Beach: Public Health Officials Ask Folks Not To Travel

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — Despite recent decreases in the current COVID-19 surge of cases and hospitalizations, COVID-19 transmission remains widespread in L.A. County and in many states and countries, said the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health in a news release today. Public Health is advising people not to travel during the upcoming holiday weekend, Valentine's Day or the Lunar New Year.

"Travel increases the risk of getting and spreading COVID-19," said Dr. Barbara Ferrer. "Additionally, the risk may be greater with the prevalence of the more easily transmissible B.1.1.7 variant."

Public Health says non-essential travel and gatherings with people not from your household should be avoided. "COVID-19 surged after Thanksgiving and Christmas travel in November and December," said Dr. Ferrer. "The more people travel, the more interactions they have with individuals outside of their household, the greater the risk of getting and spreading COVID-19. Shared transportation, including travel by air, bus, or rail, can not only put travelers at risk but also all members of the community if infected travelers spread COVID-19 to others after returning to Los Angeles County."

Public Health wants you to be aware of the following:

• A travel advisory remains in effect for L.A. County. Anyone who is arriving to Los Angeles County must self-quarantine for 10 days; please remain at your home or lodging for the 10 days and avoid contact with others.
• If you must travel, please plan ahead. Know how widespread COVID-19 is in the area you must travel to.
• It is critical to not travel if you are sick. Residents should stay home if they are experiencing symptoms of illness, have not finished their isolation period after testing positive for COVID-19, or have not finished their quarantine period after being exposed or likely to have been exposed to someone who is positive for COVID-19.

More guidance and information regarding the travel advisory can be found at www.publichealth.lacounty.gov.