New CDC Travel Restrictions

For now, this seems to be the million dollar question. WHAT will the CDC put in place to allow people to travel freely and safely?

I have to admit, I started writing this blog right after the first of January. Then the vaccine started becoming available, so I waited. And then President Biden was inaugurated, so I waited. As of today, February 2, 2021, things have changed a bit from the beginning of January. It has been a little daunting trying to keep up with things. But I want you all to know I am on your side and I am on top of things. I will tell you what I know right now.

The President is trying to mandate the COVID-19 testing for all domestic flights. Officials from our U.S. based carriers have said they do not support requiring coronavirus tests before domestic flights, at this time. CEO Gary Kelly of Southwest Airlines says the policy would be a “mistake” and “wholly impractical.” I agree. Joanna Geraghty the President of JetBlue also adds that “putting this burden on air travel is, we think, far too cumbersome.” I agree. Their main concern is why airlines would be forced to require COVID-19 tests, while other forms of transportation would not have to meet the same standards. I agree.

With the latest round of ‘resets’ from the major cruise lines pushing back their resumption of cruising through March and April, The Port of Canaveral in Florida has updated projections based on a worst-case scenario that cruises may start sailing before July. This is due to the numbers being attributed to the rise in COVID-19 cases. Let’s face it, the CDC is not really motivated right now to put the cruise lines back on the water. I find that very sad as, in good faith, the cruise lines have been working overtime preparing their ships for the new regulations the CDC laid out a few months back. This includes changing air filtration systems, adding more sanitizing stations and training their staff and crew in this highest measures of sanitation and hygiene.

The CDC announced that effective January 26, 2021 through at least April 2021, if you leave the U.S. for countries where we are allowed to travel such as Mexico, Jamaica, parts of the Caribbean and a few European countries – by air – no cruising; you are required to get a negative COVID-19 test 72 hours prior to your return flights departure. They are also recommending that passengers get tested again 3 – 5 days after arrival back in the U.S. AND self-quarantining for 7 days post-travel. Documented lab results must be presented to the airline prior to boarding and if a passenger chooses not to test, they could be denied boarding.

A huge plus for those passengers traveling to Mexico, Jamaica and at least the Dominican Republic is that most of the popular resorts have stepped up and will provide these required test free of charge, or at a very minimal charge. In Jamaica, many of their resorts have also stipulated that if a passenger would test positive for COVID-19, they would be able to quarantine at their resort for FREE, or a very minimal charge, for 14 days. To those resorts I wish to extend a BIG THANK YOU!!! This is what it takes to make a guest welcome and appreciated. You are Heroes in my book!

As for traveling anywhere else, things are still on hold. Painfully on hold. The CDC is waiting for results of the vaccines being administered and trying to vaccinate as many people as possible daily. It is an exhaustive effort. One that I hope will put an end to this lockdown situation going on around the globe. My fingers are crossed and I am saying daily prayers. I know you all are feeling like me. I can’t wait to get on a cruise ship or travel to a bucket list destination!

To that end, I am again reminding you that Infinity Travelaz is here for you when you are ready to start turning your dreams into vacation plans. We are ready to design that personal customized trip of a lifetime with you. Now is the time to put a deposit down on your Bucket List experience. Give yourself something to look forward to. Something to plan for. Something to help brighten up your horizon!