PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – The CDC has updated travel guidelines for people fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
In an updated post on its website, the agency says fully vaccinated people can travel safely within the United States without a COVID-19 test, as long as they wear a mask and social distance.
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This is news that many have been waiting for. A group of families at Pittsburgh International Airport said on Friday that they have all been vaccinated and are on their way to Florida.
“Relieved, woo,” said Cathy Wetzler from New York.
The CDC said those vaccinated in the United States can travel without being tested for COVID-19 or remain in quarantine if they continue to take precautions, including wearing masks and social distancing while traveling.
Let’s do our bit, why not? The sooner we do this together, the faster we can get past it, ”said Oscar Veneszee from Florida.
He would surprise his daughter, who had just finished boot camp in Pensacola.
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The CDC said fully vaccinated travelers are less likely to get and spread COVID-19, and they can travel to themselves at “low risk”.
“I love it. I’ve been vaccinated so I’m ready to use it and go on a journey again,” said Kara Buncic from Canonsburg.
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She and her husband were on their way to Florida for spring break. It has been 13 difficult months, full of canceled trips, lockdowns and quarantines.
“We had to cancel at least three holidays and a destination wedding was canceled for us in 2020,” said Buncic.
“It was very frustrating. It felt like you were trapped. But we understand why they did it, just to be on the safe side, ”Sutfin said.
Travelers are ready for a smooth landing and some normalcy.
“It has been more than a year since we were able to do anything. So it just feels good to know that we can all travel together and enjoy life again, ”says Wetzler.
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The CDC said fully vaccinated people who travel internationally should not be tested for COVID-19 before their trip unless their destination requires it. They also don’t need to be quarantined unless required where they live.
Vaccinated travelers must still have a negative COVID-19 test before flying back to the US.
The CDC does not encourage vaccinated people to travel or change its travel guidelines for unvaccinated people.
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The agency said unvaccinated people traveling domestically or abroad should still be tested for COVID-19 before and after the trip and quarantined upon return. The agency still keeps them away from non-essential travel as well.