Spring Break Statement From The IMPACT Team

Fellow Illinoisans, we can prevent another COVID-19 surge. Spring break is upon us, and many Americans are traveling. Cases are rising in Illinois and other parts of the upper Midwest. Concurrently, Europe is experiencing a third wave of infections and lockdowns, while some US states are relaxing masking and social distancing policies. We recognize that pandemic fatigue is real, and mental health is important, but together we can prevent another surge in COVID-19 cases here in Illinois.

While it is safest to avoid travel, we know that many of you will leave home and visit with others. Because of this, a harm reduction approach to avoiding another surge is critical. 

First, if you must travel, use your SMARTS. Lower your risk of COVID-19 exposure and transmission with:

Space: Stay at least 6 feet away from anyone outside your household or travel group.  Travel by personal car if possible. 

Mask: Wear a mask over your nose and mouth. If possible, do NOT remove your mask on an airplane, bus, or train. Remember to wear a mask when out in public. You will need to wear a mask with others outside your household/travel group unless both parties are vaccinated. For more guidance on vaccinated persons, read the CDC’s Interim Recommendations here.

Air: Stay outdoors at restaurants and other public places.  The next best scenario is a large, well-ventilated space in which you can mask and maintain social distancing, such as a museum.

Restrict: Upon return from travel, do not interact indoors without masks with anyone you didn’t travel with for 14 days as per Illinois Department of Public Health guidance. Be sure to follow your workplace or school guidance which may differ.

Time/Test: Get a COVID-19 test 3-5 days after return AND stay home/quarantine for 7 days, even with a negative test. If you don’t test, stay home for 10 days. Be sure to follow your workplace or school guidance which may differ.

Shot: Regardless of whether you travel, remember to get your COVID-19 vaccine when it is your turn. The sooner each of us is vaccinated, the sooner we can return to normal life. Click here if you need help finding a vaccine. 

IF YOU DEVELOP COVID-19 SYMPTOMS: Quarantine and get a COVID-19 test.

Before any travel, review the CDC recommendations for travel and prepare in advance with this planner. While the CDC has not released guidelines for vaccinated travelers, vaccinated Chicagoans who travel are exempt from testing or quarantining if exposed. Whether or not you are vaccinated, remember children are unvaccinated at this time. Unvaccinated groups from different households should remain masked when indoors together. If unvaccinated individuals need to unmask to eat or drink, they should stay at least 6 feet apart from one another in a well-ventilated space. This guidance can be confusing. For further clarification read Dear Pandemic’s excellent explanation here.

Preventing another COVID-19 surge not only means saving lives; it means our businesses, schools, and places of worship can stay open, and we can get back to the normalcy we crave this summer. Now is not the time to lose the ground we have gained.  

Sincerely,

The Illinois Medical Professionals Action Collaborative Team (IMPACT)