Episode 39: Staying Safe During Spring Break

Season 1, Episode 39,   Mar 18, 2022, 03:00 PM


Additional resources


Spring Break Safety


Q1: I am going to a place with large crowds during Spring Break. What are some ways I can protect myself against COVID-19?


  • The No. 1 thing you can do to protect yourself from COVID-19 is to get vaccinated. And after you get vaccinated, get boosted. 
  • If you are gathering with a lot of people and you don’t know their vaccination status, you can wear a mask for an extra layer of protection. Even though Oregon has lifted most indoor masking, we still recommend that people who are at high risk, or people who live or work with someone who is at high risk, continue to wear a mask. And try to keep your distance from others, and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after touching surfaces like doorknobs. 
  • Another layer of protection is to move your gathering outdoors 
  • If you’re indoors, good ventilation can also help provide another layer of protection.


Q2: If I choose to travel during Spring Break, any travel tips to avoid getting COVID-19? 


Getting vaccinated and boosted before you travel is a great start. 


After that, I’d recommend you bring a high-quality, well-fitting mask, like an N95 or KN95, and plan on wearing that mask. The federal government still requires masks on public transportation, and in airports and on airplanes, through April 18. So you should expect to wear your mask.


Another thing I would suggest is that you check the COVID-19 spread wherever you’re going so you can prepare for what you’re getting into. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the CDC, has a community-level map on its website, and that’s a good place to start your research. 


That will also help you understand the rules where you’re going, so you can follow all state, tribal, local and territorial travel restrictions, including proper mask wearing, proof of vaccination, testing, or quarantine requirements.


Q3: If I am not feeling well, but I have been fully vaccinated, can I still travel for Spring Break?

You should NOT travel if you are sick, even if you recovered from COVID-19 within the past 90 days or are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines. You also shouldn’t travel if you tested positive for COVID-19.

Don’t travel if you are waiting for results of a COVID-19 test, and if you had close contact with a person with COVID-19 and are recommended to quarantine.

Finally, don’t travel until a full 5 days after your last close contact with the person with COVID-19. It is best to avoid travel for a full 10 days after your last exposure.

Q4: Should I get tested for COVID-19 after traveling during Spring Break?

Yes, you should get tested for COVID-19 if you are experiencing symptoms like fever or chills, coughing, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and muscle or body aches.

But you don’t need to get a COVID-19 test just because you traveled.



Document accessibility: For individuals with disabilities or individuals who speak a language other than English, OHA can provide information in alternate formats such as translations, large print, or braille. Contact the Health Information Center at 1-971-673-2411, 711 TTY or COVID19.LanguageAccess@dhsoha.state.or.us.
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