Professionals ask Americans to stay home this winter

Photo courtesy of The White House, Wikipedia

Cases of coronavirus are surging in America, as the New York Times reported 200,000 new cases on Dec. 2 alone. Despite the rising numbers since early November, many Americans still chose to travel home to see family for Thanksgiving, which was against the recommendations from health professionals.

White House coronavirus response coordinator Dr. Deborah L. Birx said all travelers should “have to assume that you were exposed and you became infected and you really need to get tested in the next week.” Whether or not Americans will heed this advice is critical.

TSA reported that 3 million Americans went through airport security on the weekend before Thanksgiving. While this number is drastically lower than a typical year, it is still the most air travel since March.

Dr. Anthony Fauci has said that it may take weeks to see a surge in cases caused by Thanksgiving travel. With those from crowded airports back in their hometowns, it is only a matter of time before results begin to show a spread of exposure.

Despite the numbers, few states seem to be planning a second lockdown. Other countries, including the United Kingdom and Italy, have entered into a second phase of lockdown as cases rise, but almost a third of Americans say they wouldn’t likely follow advice for a month-long stay at home order, according to Gallup.

Many have surely already booked their Christmas flights, but the next few weeks will be telling as to whether or not those plans should be cancelled. With more than 270,000 Americans dead due to coronavirus, public health officials are calling for holidays at home.

vdamico@ramapo.edu