Apr 21, 20212 min read

Preventing COVID-19 Variant Spread During Travel Messaging

COVID-19 variants are spreading.

There are new COVID-19 variants circulating through communities. These new variants seem to spread more easily and quickly than other variants, which may lead to more cases of COVID-19.
Some of the variants may cause more severe illness with more people being hospitalized and deaths.
Vaccines, prior immunity, and treatments may also not be as effective against some variants, so slowing the spread of these variants in the community is very important.
Every time you travel, you can spread COVID-19 variants to your community when you return.
Help prevent COVID-19 variants from spreading in your community by wearing a mask, getting tested, and getting vaccinated when you are able. Follow public health guidelines as recommended.

Consider delaying travel, even if you are vaccinated. If you must travel, do what you can to protect yourself and your family.
Make sure to wear a mask, wash your hands a lot, stay 6 feet away from others, and stay home if you feel sick.

If possible, get tested 1-3 days before you leave.
Stay home as much as possible for 14 days before travel. It can take up to 14 days for a person to get COVID-19. By staying at home for 14 days before travel, you can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 to others when you travel.
Some destinations may require you to get tested before arriving. For international travel, check testing and vaccination requirements for entering the country.
If you are sick or have tested positive for COVID-19, do not travel.

If you are traveling internationally, the United States requires a COVID-19 test before you can fly back to the United States.

If you travel out of state, you should stay home and away from others (quarantine) for 7 days if you have a negative test and no symptoms and for 10 days if you do not get tested. This is especially important for those traveling out of the country.
During your quarantine, it is important that you stay home and watch for symptoms.
If you must go out, wear a mask, stay 6 feet from other people, and wash your hands often.
When planning a trip, plan time away from work after you return to stay away from others and prevent COVID-19 from spreading.

Minnesota strongly recommends that those who travel get tested 3-5 days after returning from travel.
You can visit a no-cost testing site, a clinic or hospital, or order an at-home test kit. Find testing options at COVID-19 Testing (www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/testsites/index.html).

Minnesotans age 16 and older are eligible for vaccination. Not everyone will be able to get an appointment right away.
To get a shot, talk to your health care provider or local pharmacy and Sign Up for the Vaccine Connector (https://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/connector/connector.jsp).