People CNN Medical Analyst Dr. Laina talked to Wayne about her reps how to stay safe after people return from the holidays.
First and foremost, guests traveling outside to visit with family and friends should be arranged outside or in a household unit near them, Wayne advised.
Taking steps to protect others around you will help reduce the spread of Covid-19, especially around Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
CNN: Many took risks and went together with loved ones for Thanksgiving. Why are you recommending to keep it separate after these people return?
Dr. Le. Lena Wayne: Coronavirus is on the rise across the country, and there are hotspots in many areas. Anyone who has traveled to another part of the country and together with others may be at risk of contracting the Covid-19. When they return to their home communities, they can spread it – to their family and friends, coworkers and others around them.
We are facing an impending disaster. Many hospitals are already on the brink. The ICU is full. We all need to do our part and flatten the turn again. And that means knowing when there is a risk to others around us. If you have traveled, and seen others, you can put your community at risk.
CNN: How should you assess your risk?
Wayne: There are three things you should consider when evaluating your own risk exposure. First, consider who you saw on the holidays. How many guests were there and what were their risks? If you visit elderly parents who isolate themselves, it is a much lower risk for you. On the other hand, if you were together in three homes, with some teenage children who are in school, and they are working on their own, and these homes have not been quarantined, the risk is higher.
Second, what activities did you do with others? If you only see outsiders, at a distance of at least 6 feet, the risk is very low. Time spent indoors is a high risk, especially if you are in a poorly ventilated area for a long time and where people eat and drink (and therefore do not have a mask). If you only stay at someone’s home, the risk could be higher, as the exposure time was longer.
Third, what kind of exposure did you come across during the journey? If you run, the risk will be less than if you flew. I am really less concerned about exposure to your other hazards during the flight, other places, such as waiting at an airport and jetweight, where people are more likely to gather in well-ventilated places. If you wear a three-ply surgical mask all the time, it further reduces the risk. Overall, I’m most concerned about the dangers of connecting with people.
CNN: What does quarantine look like?
Wayne: Good question. By quarantine, I mean treat you like a person associated with a coronavirus, as you may have. That means you shouldn’t be around others as much as possible. Don’t go to work. Keep children away from school. Deliver groceries. Definitely don’t go with others during this period.
The safest thing to do is to quarantine for 14 days. If you have easy access to testing, you can quarantine for at least seven days after the return date and then test.
I know this asks a lot. For some people, this complete protocol may not be necessary if your risk during the trip was actually very low (i.e., if you were looking at elderly parents who were already quarantined and you would have run yourself). But if you get together with other people who are at risk, know that you are at risk now.
Please keep in mind how contagious Covid-19 is and about 60% of the spread is done by people who do not have symptoms. I’m sure none of us inadvertently want to infect others and increase the spread of the community where we live.
CNN: The community I’m going back to is a hotspot in itself. Should I still keep it separate?
Wayne: Yes. Just because you have a lot of Covid-19s in the area you’re going back to doesn’t mean you don’t have the responsibility to try to prevent the level from getting higher. Overcrowding affects all of us – not just coronavirus patients, but also cancer and heart patients who may not get the care they need.
CNN: What if you have roommates who don’t travel with you?
Wayne: If you usually stay at home with other people who have not accompanied you on your trip, you should stay away from them during your quarantine period. Don’t spend time on shared spaces. If this cannot be avoided – for example, if you have a shared restroom or kitchen – wear a mask, open the windows and do not use the space at the same time as others. Remember that they may also be at risk if they travel, so please urge them to follow the same quarantine protocol.
CNN: What should you do if you are traveling, for example, if you are a college student and have dropped out of school?
Wayne: For some students, they were able to separate and then be able to test before returning home. In that case, they deserve to see their family members – even though they must be vigilant and not engage in risky behaviors such as watching their friends indoors. Those who could not, after performing the same procedure as above, after returning home, should be quarantined: ideally 14 days and if not, at least seven days and then take an examination.
CNN: Do I need to follow all these procedures for Christmas and New Year too?
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