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WELL-BEING AND COMMUNITY

Traveling for the holidays? How to minimize your COVID-19 risk.

December 13, 2021

Whether you and your family are planning to see loved ones or take a much-needed vacation, there are ways to protect yourselves and others during holiday travel. Additionally, it’s important to follow applicable recommendations and requirements.

Here are tips for how to protect yourself before, during, and after travel this holiday season.

Before travel
  • The CDC recommends that you be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before you travel. You can find a COVID-19 vaccination site near you by visiting vaccines.gov. Check if the CDC website recommends a booster dose for you.
  • Check travel restrictions. Some locations have requirements, such as testing, staying home, or quarantining upon arrival. Your airline may require certain health information, testing, or other documents.
  • You may also need to take a COVID-19 test 1 to 3 days before your trip and bring proof of your negative result.
  • Think about whether you’re at increased risk for severe illness, or if you live with others who have a medical condition. Returning from travel could put you and others at risk.
During travel After travel
  • If you have been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms, you may be eligible to order an at-home testing kit, covered by your health plan.*
  • Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms. If you develop symptoms or learn you were exposed during your trip, isolate and get tested.
Reminder: Do not travel if you’re sick or with someone who is sick. Also, do not travel if you were exposed to or test positive for COVID-19 or waiting for test results.
 
Remember to bring a record of your vaccination
Download SydneySM Health and use the app’s Health Pass to keep a digital copy of your vaccination record. You can also add it to your digital wallet so it’s available whenever you need it.
 
Source:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website: COVID-19 (accessed November 2021): cdc.gov.
 
*This test is available at no charge for diagnostic testing only. A doctor's order, while normally required for testing to be covered under your plan, is not required when ordering a test through this limited program. The test typically arrives in two business days or less and provides results in 10 minutes. This test is for members who have symptoms of COVID-19 or who have been exposed to someone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19. This Rapid Diagnostic Test for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Antigen is an OTC Home Test for use under an FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for in vitro diagnostic use only. It is not being made available under FDA authorization for screening purposes. This program is subject to change and is being offered as an alternative to traditional benefits.
 
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More COVID-19 Information

Stay informed by checking these resources for up-to-date information about COVID-19, especially if you’re thinking about traveling.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Coronavirus World Health Organization (WHO), Coronavirus
In addition to using a telehealth service, you can receive in-person or virtual care from your own doctor or another healthcare provider in your plan's network. If you receive care from a doctor or healthcare provider not in your plan's network, your share of the costs may be higher. You may also receive a bill for any charges not covered by your health plan.
 

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