Spring Break Travel Advisory Issued In Mecklenburg County

CHARLOTTE, NC — In a new public health advisory, Mecklenburg County public health officials are urging county residents to not travel over spring break.

"Traveling involves increased exposure for contracting COVID-19 for numerous reasons," including spread among those who are asymptomatic, as well as the increased opportunity to come in contact with someone who is infected at airports and events, Mecklenburg County Public Health said.

News of the travel advisory comes as the county has started to turn the corner with its COVID metrics.

Last week, Mecklenburg County's COVID-19 case count rose by 1,242 cases, increasing the number of known cases in the county to nearly 100,000, according to North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services data. As of March 18, about 4.4 percent of tests in the county were positive.

SEE ALSO: County Health Officials Worry Spring Break Could Undo COVID Gains

It's a low level of community spread that hasn't been seen in the county since last July, according to the county's top public health official, who expressed concern about the potential impact of spring break travel.

"Spring break is upon us," Mecklenburg County public health director Gibbie Harris said during a news conference Thursday. "We know that that is going to have some potential impact if it's consistent with what we saw over the holidays, so we're a bit concerned about that."

Continued progress hinges on numerous factors, such as the potential effects of new virus variants, the community's continued use of masks outside their homes and vaccinations, she said.

"The number of people we have vaccinated will definitely make a difference as we move forward," Harris said. "It will take some time, but we're hoping as more vaccines become available, more people will take advantage of that."

For those who must travel, here are some tips to help protect against COVID-19, MCPH said:

• If you are eligible, get fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before you travel. Eligible individuals may find more information about setting an appointment or joining the waitlist for a COVID-19 vaccination here.
• Get tested with a viral test 1-3 days before you travel. Keep a copy of your test results with you during travel in case you are asked for them. Do NOT travel if you test positive.
• Check travel restrictions before you go. State, local, and territorial governments may have travel restrictions in place, including testing requirements, stay-at-home orders, and quarantine requirements upon arrival. Follow all state, local, and territorial travel restrictions.
• If traveling by air, check if your airline requires any health information, testing, or other documents. Local policies at your destination may require you to be tested for COVID-19. If you test positive on arrival, you may be required to isolate for a period of time.
• If you plan to travel internationally, you will need to get tested no more than three days before you travel by air into the U.S. and show your negative result to the airline before you board your flight, or be prepared to show documentation of recovery (proof of a recent positive viral test and a letter from your healthcare provider or a public health official stating that you were cleared to travel). More information about international travel may be found here.
• Practice the 3Ws: WEAR a face covering; WAIT six feet apart and avoid close contact; and WASH your hands often or use hand sanitizer.
• Get tested again with a viral test 3-5 days after you return from your trip and stay home and self-quarantine for a full seven days after travel, even if your test is negative. If you don’t get tested, stay home and self-quarantine for 10 days after travel.

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