We are less than a week away from what’s usually one of the busiest air travel days of the year. The Centers for Disease Control is now recommending folks not to travel during the Thanksgiving holiday.
Despite the recommendation, some travelers will still be getting on a plane and the TSA has suggestions for them.
Next week, could be the first time many travelers are getting on a flight since the pandemic started. With the spike of a million new cases nationwide over the last week, the CDC is against any travel next week saying it will be difficult to stop the spread of the virus.
The TSA has these reminders for those who will be traveling:
1) Wear a mask and get ready to briefly take it off, so a TSA Officer can identify you
2) Bring hand sanitizer. You can bring one bottle up to 12 ounces per passenger, despite other liquid restrictions
3) Do the TSA Precheck to save you the time and hassle of taking off your belt and shoes
4) Take everything out of your pockets ahead of time. TSA officials say the faster you get through the screening the safer it is for everyone
5) Be aware of the COVID-19 restrictions in place at your destination
6) Stay home if you’re feeling sick
Some airports are offering on-site COVID-19 tests, unfortunately, Detroit Metro Airport does not.
Dr. Fahmi Farah has avoided getting on flights during the pandemic until she had to fly for work recently.
“I took all the precautions I possibly could,” Dr. Farah said.
She says it’s important to do you research on which airline is implementing the safest restrictions and bring wipes in addition to hand sanitizer to wipe down your seat.
Dr. Farah also wore a face shield, N95 mask and surgical mask over it throughout the entire flight. She also did not wear her jacket or clothes she traveled in until she got back home to clean it.
“I tested myself after coming back and I tested negative, so it worked; my precautions,” she said.
Airport officials believe if everyone follows the guidelines, traveling during these difficult times could be safer.
Additional Coronavirus information and resources:
Click here for a page with resources including a COVID-19 overview from the CDC, details on cases in Michigan, a timeline of Governor Gretchen Whitmer's orders since the outbreak, coronavirus' impact on Southeast Michigan, and links to more information from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the CDC and the WHO.
View a global coronavirus tracker with data from Johns Hopkins University.
See complete coverage on our Coronavirus Continuing Coverage page.
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