Citing the sharp increase in coronavirus cases nationwide, the CDC has warned Americans to avoid travel during the holiday season. For those who are nonetheless planning to travel, the CDC recommends that travelers get tested 1-3 days before travel, and again 3-5 days after travel. In fact, many states have already implemented similar travel restrictions. The CDC also advises that travelers reduce non-essential activities for 7 days after travel (if they receive a negative test result) or 10 days after travel (if they do not get tested).

Employers may (but are not required to) implement travel restrictions for their employees. For example, if an employee travels out of state, to certain designated states, on a cruise ship, internationally, or some combination of these categories, the employer may require that the employee not return to the workplace until 10 days after travel, or that they work from home during that period and not report to the employer’s physical location. That period could be shortened to 7 days if the employee gets tested for the virus after day 5 and receives a negative test result.

By Rebecca D. Bullard, rbullard@dsda.com