CDC says it’s safe for fully vaccinated people to travel domestically
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
On Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said domestic travel is considered safe for fully vaccinated individuals.
The CDC states that fully vaccinated individuals traveling don't need to be tested before or after traveling unless required by their destination location. Travels also are not required to self-quarantine.
The CDC guidance only applies to travel within the United States its territories.
According to the CDC, people are classified as fully vaccinated two weeks after their last dose of the coronavirus vaccine. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine only requires one dose while the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine both require two doses.
It is recommended by the CDC to hold off on traveling if a person isn't fully vaccinated. The CDC still recommends passengers to have six feet of social distancing, wearing a mask, and washing their hands often.
The news comes as more people are traveling for spring break and Easter weekend.
The Columbia airport says they've seen an uptick in travel.
"In the last couple of months we're seen an increase in passengers using Columbia's airport," Mike Parks, Columbia Regional Airport Manager said. "So much as American Airlines has actually recently announced the addition of a Chicago route back into Columbia and then also an additional Dallas flight."
According to Parks the airline previously suspended by the Chicago route due to COVID-19. The added Dallas flight will bump the total to three daily flights a day according to Parks. Both flights will be reintroduced on May 6th.
Parks said in February the airport saw 2,487 passengers fly out.
According to the airport's website, Columbia Regional Airport saw 2,574 people fly out in January. Numbers for March passengers were not yet available.
"We are continuing to see the passenger numbers continue to climb with those additional flights," Parks said. He also said they've seen a "nice increase in the passengers for spring break."
According to the state dashboard, 31.8% of Boone County residents have received at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine.
