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Considering Summer Travel? Some Thoughts (for Americans)
We’ve all been locked in for a while, plans canceled, etc. A summer vacation might seem like the ideal way to get over the quarantine blues.
Unfortunately, we all have to think very carefully about when, where and, yes, whether we should travel this summer.
The Key Factor
The key factor in your decision should be the COVID-19 numbers both where you live and where you are planning on going. As these are rapidly changing, it’s not a good idea to make long-term plans right now.
Case numbers are not the only thing to look at. This site gives effective transmission rates based on modeling for all fifty states.
Above 1 is bad. Below 1 is good. If possible, also look at death and hospital rates.
Bluntly, if your area has a transmission rate significantly above 1, you should not travel. (And should seriously consider staying home completely). If the area you are planning on going to has a transmission rate significantly above 1, then…don’t go there right now. Right now, I would definitely not even consider going to Arizona or Florida. That’s going to change. The pandemic is moving around.
It’s irresponsible to travel out of an area with a high transmission rate. You risk taking the virus with…