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Know Before You Go: Holidays

Here are some additional resources that may be helpful to you during the holiday season:

Recommendations for the day of travel:

  • Reduce the number of stops on your trip. Take a direct flight if possible, and if driving, pack food and snacks for the car trip home. 
  • Delay travel if sick or exposed. You don’t want to expose your loved ones and put them at risk. 
  • If you are taking any form of public transportation (plane, train, subway, etc.) wear face covering at all times and consider wearing a face shield as well. Stay at least six feet away from other people. Carry and use hand sanitizer frequently. 
  • Use a disinfecting/sanitizing wipe to clean any touchable surfaces in the vehicle in which you are traveling. 
  • If using public transportation, open the windows if the vehicle and weather allow.
  • Self-monitor daily and if exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms stay home and report your symptoms here.

When you arrive home, 

  • Avoid physical contact like hugging and kissing (I’m a hugger myself, so I know how hard this will be). Find a way to express love without the embrace you are used to giving.
  • Wear a face covering for the duration of your visit (while in the presence of others)
  • Use a separate bathroom from other family members.  If you can’t do this, you will want to disinfect the bathroom after each use.
  • Suggest to your family that they place HEPA filter units in the home, and plan to open windows to increase air circulation, especially during a gathering of family or friends.

Plan to implement a modified quarantine:

  • Restrict your movements inside the home.
  • Don’t attend large gatherings or visit other homes while you are away from campus.  Remember that any close interactions with persons outside your ‘bubble’ will present an opportunity for infection that progresses from you to your extended family members.

Before you return to campus, 

  • Get an influenza vaccine, if you haven’t already done so.  Influenza is a respiratory illness and getting it will predispose you to a much worse course of illness if you get COVID19 at the same time.
  • Touch base with your primary care provider or mental health clinician if you are feeling sad, anxious, or hopeless.