COVID-19 and Travel: The Canadian Association of Retired Person (CARP’s) Guidelines for Older Canadians
We are well into summer and it can be tempting to go all out with a carefree attitude. But when it comes to preventable illness like COVID, being prudent is still advisable for high-risk groups, of which older Canadians are included. COVID-19 may seem very long ago, but while many older adults can manage a bout of COVID without long-term impacts, the evidence is clear that a significant number of seniors face ensuing lack of independence or worse as a result of infection. The good news is that it’s a risk that is easily mitigated through vaccination and other measures that decrease your chances of getting sick in the first place. You can read up on that here.
What does this mean? Keep fun on the agenda, but be smart about it. With a rise of new coronavirus variants, it’s important to decrease the risks of summer travel.
Covid infections are increasing in both Canada and the USA, with hospitalization and death rates also rising. New variants like KP.2, KP.3, and LB.1 are contributing to the uptick in cases.
Unfortunately, health experts have offered little guidance for Canadians.
Given the similarities in Covid-19 trends between Canada and the USA, Canadians must instead look to the guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for advice.
Here’s the latest travel guidance based on CARP’s research:
What to do if a prospective traveler tests positive or has symptoms
Delay or cancel your trip if you test positive or have symptoms (fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, body aches, headache). Stay home until at least 24 hours after being fever-free without medication and experiencing overall symptom improvement.
When to resume activities
You can resume daily activities if you’ve been fever-free for 24 hours and your symptoms are improving. But continue taking precautions (mask-wearing, hand washing, physical distancing, air purification, and regular testing) for five days after isolation.
Preparation before traveling
- Stay up-to-date with Covid vaccines and boosters. Here’s info about how to get vaccinated.
- Pack a 1st Aid kit that Includes medications you typically use when ill, Covid tests, painkillers, cold and flu medicines, fever reducers, and electrolyte tablets.
- Take advice from a medical professional. Especially if you’re in a high-risk group. Doctors might prescribe antiviral medications like Paxlovid as a precaution.
Staying safe while traveling
Wear a mask on planes and in crowded areas. Remember that N95s and KN95s (the gold standard of masks) are so named because they filter out 95% of particles you’d otherwise breathe in.
If you get sick, wear a mask and use over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen for fever or joint aches.
Follow any latest advice from Health Canada and provincial health authorities. Be aware of any local travel restrictions or guidelines that may be in place within Canada or your destination. Access the Government of Canada’s travel health resources for the most current information.
Travelers should stay informed about the evolving guidelines and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of others.
And most importantly, keep your Covid vaccination boosters up to date…and then have fun.
