CDC: Vaccinated People Can Travel Safely

Agency’s change in travel guidance supercharges growing passenger numbers

By Matt Neistein

Published April 5, 2021

Read Time: 3 mins

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The aviation industry welcomed a milestone change in public health policy on Friday as passenger numbers continued a steep climb nationwide.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its travel guidance for Americans, saying recent studies have shown that people fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can travel safely.

Those people who are at least two weeks past receiving their final dose of the vaccine may travel in the U.S. and do not need to test for COVID or self-quarantine, the agency said.

“With millions of Americans getting vaccinated every day, it is important to update the public on the latest science about what fully vaccinated people can do safely, now including guidance on safe travel,” CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said in a statement.

The guidance shift did not prompt any immediate changes in health and safety policies that have been developed by the industry over the past year. Masks are still mandatory on all U.S. airlines, for example, and inside all U.S. airports.

Also, the change has limited effect on international travel. Policies of destination countries as well as local U.S. jurisdictions remain in place regarding proof of vaccination, negative COVID tests, self-quarantining and other measures. Travelers should check specific requirements with their a