Denver Holiday Travel Safety Guidelines

DENVER, CO — Denver's public health agency has issued COVID-19 travel safety guidance as many Coloradans prepare to take trips over the holiday season.

Cases of the new omicron variant have been reported in Canada, Australia, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Israel, Hong Kong, Britain, and other countries. The U.S. and dozens of other countries now have bans on travel from South Africa and seven other southern African countries.

The best way to prepare for the new variant is to get vaccinated, public health officials said. It’s not too late for Christmas for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine — the deadline is Dec. 11.

Those who do not have time to become fully vaccinated prior to Christmas can still begin to protect themselves by receiving the first dose of the vaccine: one vaccine is better than none, as the first dose is up to 80 percent effective, public health officials said.

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Travel Rules and Guidelines

For those traveling by air, federal law requires anyone over age 2 to wear a face covering at all times in and on airport property, including Denver International Airport, officials said. Failure to comply may result in removal from airport property and denial of re-entry.

If you’re traveling by bus or train, face coverings are required for all people while on public transportation. If you choose to travel by bus or train, learn about what you can do to protect yourself on public transportation.

COVID-19 Testing

Get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have a close contact with someone who has COVID-19. For the safest holiday gathering, and to protect those with compromised immune systems or children who are too young to be vaccinated, get tested for COVID-19 in advance, public health officials said. If you are sick, have symptoms or test positive for COVID-19, don’t host or attend a gathering.

Other tips for a safe holiday

• Wear well-fitting masks over your nose and mouth if you are in public indoor settings if you are not fully vaccinated, and for extra protection if you are vaccinated, public health officials said.
• Gathering outdoors is safer than indoors.
• Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces.
• Do not put a mask on children younger than 2 years old.
• Remember to frequently wash your hands or apply hand sanitizer while traveling or in large gatherings.

>> Learn about where you can receive your vaccine in Denver here.