Coronavirus Outbreak: Should You Change or Cancel U.S. Travel Plans?

It’s important to understand what’s real, what’s misinformation, and what’s plain hysteria.

[Editor’s note: This is an updated version of an earlier article that originally ran on March 9.]

In late December 2019, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) seemed like a horrific but distant problem, affecting mainland China. But, in this global age of travel, it expanded to other Asian countries. Then it hit Europe. And then, in January, the United States. The number of coronavirus cases—and deaths—in the U.S. continues to surge.

After avoiding the reality for weeks, WHO finally declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 12. President Trump addressed the nation on March 13 to declare a national emergency. While he takes “no responsibility” for coronavirus failures, the move allows the freer flow of federal aid to state and local governments and makes it easier to rush medical resources to places that need them the most. To date, providing medical workers with the supplies they need remains a challenge.

In the meantime, headlines are flashing worrying news of the spreading virus, as state after state declares a lockdown to prevent the virus from spreading. Cities appear ghostly, as conferences, festivals, and concerts have been canceled; and bars, entertainment venues, gyms, parks, and schools have closed. Restaurants are offering only pickup and delivery across the country (with booze added to some menus in a temporary waiver). Flight schedules have been slashed. The professional sports world has virtually ground to a halt.

So what about those plans we’ve already made for our long-awaited spring break on the beach? Or for that well-deserved romantic getaway? Can we salvage them in any way? And when can we travel again?

It’s important to understand what’s real, what’s misinformation, and what’s plain hysteria. Here’s everything you need to know specifically about travel in the United States.

USA Overall

COVID-19 was first reported in the United States on January 21, 2020, about three weeks after the first cases were confirmed in China, and around the same time that the first cases came to light in Europe. The severity of U.S. cases, however, did not escalate until the end of February, when two deaths occurred in Washington State. Several pockets of the country were particularly affected, starting in the Seattle suburb of Kirkland, then central California, then New York City and New Rochelle, then Massachusetts.

Since then, the virus has expanded beyond the isolated clusters, with, as of March 25, more than 53,934 cases in 50 states and Washington, D.C., plus the U.S. territories of U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and Puerto Rico, according to The New York Times. All 50 states as well as U.S. territories and the District of Columbia have declared a state of emergency.

The U.S. death toll climbed to at least 728 on March 25. The good news is that at least 379 patients have recovered.

The CDC reports that, as more tests are administered, more cases of COVID-19 are likely to be identified in the United States in the coming days and weeks, including more instances of community spread. The CDC expects that widespread transmission of the COVID-19 in the United States will occur, with most of the U.S. population to be exposed to the virus in the coming months.

To date, 18 states—affecting one in three Americans—have issued shelter-at-home orders, including California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Additional cities and counties, including Philadelphia, St. Louis, and Denver, are also under stay-at-home orders. Note that these orders are not a lockdown; residents still can buy groceries, walk the dog, and go for a run. It’s simply an effort to contain the virus by practicing social distancing. In addition, eight states have issued nonessential business closures, including Maryland, Montana, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.

Presidential Response

President Trump regularly convenes a coronavirus task force, though some have complained that he’s not being straightforward with American citizens and is more concerned about the crashing economy. On March 24, he declared that he wants the country “opened up and just raring to go by Easter,” despite health expert recommendations. Advisers are encouraging him to think of Easter as more of an “aspirational date.”

He issued guidelines on March 16 entitled “15 Days to Slow the Spread.”

Congressional Response

After marathon negotiations over the weekend, Senate Democrats and Republicans have come to an agreement with the White House on a historic $2 trillion emergency stimulus package to bolster the economic fallout caused by the coronavirus pandemic. “At last, we have a deal,” said Senator Mitch McConnell, the majority leader. “In effect, this is a wartime level of investment into our nation.”

The full details have not been released, but the proposal includes providing $1,200 to most adults and $500 to children. Four months of unemployment insurance is provided, as well as $130 billion going to hospitals, $150 billion to state and local governments, $350 billion to small businesses, and $500 billion to corporations. Travel is, of course, among the hardest hit industries. As such, the U.S. Travel Association and the American Hotel and Lodging Association requested $300 billion in federal aid. The U.S. airline industry called for more than $50 billion, Boeing requested a $60 billion bailout, and Amtrak needs $1 billion in government assistance.

The legislation is expected to be acted within days.

Two other emergency bills already have been passed. On March 18, Congress passed a coronavirus relief bill approving $8.3 billion in emergency aid to combat the COVID-19 outbreak. According to NPR, this will help to support vaccine development, assure affordable vaccines in the commercial market, and boost local and state health budgets.

The third economic relief bill, signed by President Trump on March 18, includes paid sick days for some employees, three months paid emergency leave throughout the coronavirus crisis, free food for children whose schools are closed, and free coronavirus testing.

President Trump invoked emergency wartime powers last week, but he thus far has been reluctant to use them. They would command the private industry to ramp up the production of essential medical equipment, including surgical masks, protective body suits, testing kits, and ventilators.

CDC Updates

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) posts updates on the situation in the United States at noon Mondays through Fridays. Here you can find info including a situation summary, cases in the U.S., risk assessment, and what the CDC is doing to abate the situation. There is also a section focusing on travel.

Here’s what’s going on in the United States’ COVID-19 hot spots. Note that while the number of cases in many places have surged, more testing has been implemented, allowing more cases to be identified.

New York

The first confirmed case in New York was reported on March 1. The patient had contracted the virus in Iran, according to CNN. As of March 25, New York confirmed 25,665 cases of coronavirus, with most of the cases in New York City. Two hundred and eighteen people have died, by far the most of any state.

With virus cases counts doubling every three days, the New York City region is now the epicenter of the U.S. outbreak, reports The New York Times. The peak of infection is expected to come in two or three weeks. “We haven’t flattened the curve,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said, according to The New York Times. “The apex is higher than we thought, and the apex is sooner than we thought. That is a bad combination of facts.”

In an effort to contain spread to other regions, White House officials have declared that anyone who recently left New York City should self-quarantine at home for 14 days. Dr. Deborah Blix, the White House coronavirus coordinator, said that new cases in Long Island are suggesting that people have left the city.

At Governor Cuomo’s urging, the Army Corps of Engineers was dispatched to New York to help build temporary hospitals. Four sites have been identified, including the Javits Center in Manhattan and others in Westchester County and Long Island. Cuomo says the state will need 140,000 hospital beds when the coronavirus peaks—up from the 110,000 projected just a few days ago and more than twice as many it currently has.

Cuomo is imploring the federal government to nationalize the manufacturing of medical supplies, including masks and gloves. “We just can’t wait for companies to come forward with offers and hope they will. This is a national emergency,” he said on Twitter.

“New York State on PAUSE,” as they’re calling it, went into effect on March 23. It mandates that all essential businesses be closed, nonessential gatherings be canceled, and that all New Yorkers abide by social distancing in public spaces. Essential businesses that remain open include grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies, and medical facilities. Cuomo said the measure could be in place for months.

“This is the most drastic action we can take,” he said, according to the Wall Street Journal. “This is not life as usual. Accept it, realize it, and deal with it.”

All schools remain closed until April 1. Gyms, theaters, and casinos are closed, as well as bars and restaurants (aside from takeout during certain hours). Hotels are closing indefinitely, including the New York Hilton Midtown, the city’s largest, according to The New York Times.

Broadway remains dark, Carnegie Hall has suspended performances through March 31, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art is closed indefinitely.

New Jersey

As of March 25, New Jersey has 3,675 confirmed cases and 44 deaths, according to The New York Times. The first positive test in the state was reported on March 4, and the number has exploded from just dozens to hundreds as more testing is being done.

On March 21, Gov. Phil Murphy issued a shelter-in-place order, canceling all non-approved social gatherings and shuttering nonessential retail businesses. He also closed all recreational and entertainment businesses to the public. Bars and restaurants also have been closed, with takeout and delivery services available.

California

The first death outside of Washington occurred on March 4 in Placer County, California, in a 71-year-old resident with underlying health conditions who had contracted the virus on a previous sailing of the Grand Princess, between Mexico and San Francisco.

As of March 25, more than 2,644 people in California have been tested positive for COVID-19, with Santa Clara County recording the most (375 as of Tuesday afternoon, including 16 deaths), and there have been 52 deaths, according to The New York Times.

On March 19, California was the first state to declare a shelter in place, as Gov. Gavin Newsom directed 40 million residents to stay inside their homes and away from others for at least eight weeks. The only exceptions include going out for essentials such as groceries, medications, health care, and anyone who must commute to critical jobs.

After a weekend of crowds flocking to the beaches and parks despite the order, municipalities have closed sports and recreation venues, including those in Los Angeles and Santa Monica.

The USNS Mercy, a former oil supertanker, is on its way to Los Angeles to provide 1,000 hospital beds for non-Covid-19 patients. More than 800 Navy medical personnel and support staff, plus more than 70 civil service mariners, are aboard.

Disneyland closed its magical gates on March 12. Universal Studios Hollywood also has closed, with an anticipated reopening on March 28. San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park are closed for the time being. Large events like Coachella and Stagecoach have been postponed.

Washington State

The first case in the United States occurred on January 19, 2020, when a 35-year-old man experiencing flu-like symptoms was administered to an urgent care clinic in Snohomish County. He had recently returned from Wuhan, China to visit family. He has since recovered.

The first COVID-19 deaths in the United States occurred on February 29 in King County, Washington, in a suburb of Seattle. The first was a man in his 50s with underlying health issues. He had not traveled to a high-risk area and had not been in contact with an infected person.

The second was a man in his 70s who resided at the Life Care Center nursing home in Kirkland, Washington (also in King County). As of March 25, at least 35 deaths have been linked to that facility (though not all were tested for coronavirus); of 180 employees, 55 have now tested positive for coronavirus.

At least 2,469 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Washington State, and 123 deaths have occurred as of March 25, according to The New York Times. Officials are taking drastic steps to curtail the pandemic. The Washington State Department of Health has deemed the current risk of exposure to be increasing for Washington residents. The Seattle area, in particular, remains an area that should be avoided by people with high-risk factors, including the elderly and those with compromised health.

Gov. Jay Inslee ordered all Washingtonians to stay at home beginning March 23. Nonessential businesses were closed unless employees can work from home. Residents are allowed to get groceries, go to the doctor, and other essential outings; when they’re outside they must stay six feet apart. The measure is in place for at least two weeks.

Michigan

With no deaths reported a week ago, Michigan has surged to become one of the hardest hit states, with 1,783 reported cases and 24 deaths, according to The New York Times.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer responded by ordering residents beginning March 24 to stay at home for at least three weeks. Workers critical to the coronavirus fight are exempt. Previously, she closed all nonessential businesses, including bars, cafés, coffeehouses, brewpubs, distilleries, theaters, indoor and outdoor performance venues, libraries, museums, gyms and fitness centers, and casinos.

Illinois

Illinois reported at least 1,535 cases on March 25, with 16 deaths. Nearly half the cases were reported in Chicago.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker ordered a stay-at-home order on March 21, which will remain in effect through April 7 but could be extended. All nonessential businesses have been closed. Bars and restaurants have also been closed, offering only takeout and delivery. Chicago also closed its parks and libraries.

Florida

Two patients in their 70s who had both returned from international trips died from COVID-19 on March 6. They are believed to be the first deaths on the East Coast. On March 25 the state confirmed 1,456 cases of COVID-19, according to The New York Times. At least 17 additional people have died.

Despite a surge in cases, Gov. Ron DeSantis is not calling for shelter-in-place. His response, in addition to closing parks, movie theaters, gyms, and most businesses, has been to restrict visitors coming into the state from corona hot spots, including New York. Despite the fact that Florida beaches were filled with spring breakers, he has not issued a statewide closure and essentially has left it up to local officials to close beaches; Fort Lauderdale and Miami Beach took it upon themselves to close their beaches.

Walt Disney World theme parks have been shuttered through the end of the month. Resort hotels closed on March 20. Disney Springs closed beginning March 17. Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando have also closed temporarily. And as of March 23, all state parks are closed.

Louisiana

The first case was reported on March 1. But the numbers have skyrocketed in the days since. At least 1,388 cases were confirmed in Louisiana on March 25, with 46 deaths, according to The New York Times. At least 675 of the cases are in New Orleans as of Tuesday afternoon, making it the third highest city, per capita, after New York and Seattle.

Gov. John Bel Edwards stated on March 22 that Louisiana has the fastest rate of growth of coronavirus cases in the world. Right now, it has the third highest number of cases per capita in the country, behind New York and Washington State. He believes Mardi Gras is responsible for the fast spread.

“I think it came during Mardi Gras, given the timing of it. Someone brought it here and then it starts spreading slowly,” Dr. Joshua Denson, a pulmonary and critical care physician at Tulane Medical Center in New Orleans, told NBC News.

A stay-at-home order went into effect on March 23 and will remain in place until April 12. This closes all nonessential businesses, including personal care and entertainment venues. Restaurants will remain open for drive-through, delivery, and takeout only.

Governor Edwards requested a Major Disaster Declaration for the state on Tuesday.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts has reported 1,159 confirmed cases of coronavirus on March 25, according to The New York Times. At least 138 of these are connected to a biotech conference held at the Marriott Long Wharf hotel in Boston. There have been 11 deaths.

After dragging his feet, Gov. Charlie Baker declared a shelter in place for Massachusetts residents that went into effect March 24. Hospitals have been asked to delay elective surgeries to devote resources to coronavirus treatment.

Schools statewide are closed until at least April 7. Restaurants and bars were ordered closed throughout Massachusetts, with takeout and delivery still allowed.

Major Boston tourist attractions, including the Museum of Science and the New England Aquarium in Boston, are closed temporarily amid coronavirus concerns. Other cultural institutions that have closed include the Institute of Contemporary Art, the Isabella Steward Gardener Museum, the Harvard Art Museums, and the Museum of Fine Arts.

Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., has 183 confirmed cases of coronavirus, with 2 deaths, according to The New York Times.

The U.S. Capitol is closed to visitors until April, including all tours, as are the Smithsonian museums, the National Zoo, and the National Gallery of Art. And while the cherry buds are starting to blossom around the Tidal Basin, several National Cherry Blossom Festival events, scheduled for March 20-April 12, are being canceled, including the opening ceremony, parade, and the popular Kite Festival. (See the live bloom cam here.)

Additional temporary closures include the Washington Monument, Ford’s Theatre, and Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument. See the full list here.

The Rest of the U.S.

See NBC’s latest stats here and The New York Times here.

All of Nevada’s hotel-casinos have shut down, including those along the Las Vegas Strip. AMC Theaters and Regal Cinemas have closed down theaters across the country. National parks are closing or offering limited facilities, including Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty, and Golden Gate National Recreation Area; even some of the iconic parks have closed, including Yosemite, Yellowstone, Hawaii Volcanoes, Haleakala, and Rocky Mountain, in recognition of the fact that rural areas have limited hospital facilities to handle a surge of COVID-19 cases, as well as to reduce spread from outside to local communities. Admission fees have been waived. See more here. The Canada and U.S. border closed on March 20 to tourism and recreational travel. The Mexico-U.S. border has partially been closed to nonessential travel as well.

All in all, the nation (along with the world) is shutting down in an effort to fight this devastating virus.

So, Should You Travel or Cancel?

We still understand precious little about this virus (and what other bans or restrictions may be forthcoming), and until we do, the best thing to do is to lay low for the time being. Keep our general coronavirus advice in mind.

If You Do Have to Fly

Travelers really should think twice about taking advantage of cheap airfares. The CDC has reported cases of COVID-19 in all states, with community spread a real concern. Crowded places such as airports may increase your exposure. Here are the things to consider before you travel:

• Is COVID-19 spreading where you’re going?
• Will you be in close contact with others during your trip?
• Are you at higher risk of severe illness due to age or underlying health issues?
• Do you have a plan for taking time off work or school should be exposed to, or get sick from, COVID-19?
• Do you live with someone who is older or has a severe chronic health condition?
• Is COVID-19 spreading where you live? You don’t want to bring it elsewhere with you.

If you have to fly, rest assured that airports are implementing serious cleaning on surfaces where the virus can linger, including handrails, elevator buttons, countertops, and food court areas, and most airlines are implementing enhanced cleaning of the aircraft interior. Hand sanitizer is available everywhere, including on ticket counters, customer service desks, lounges—use it (and be sure to bring your own). TSA has relaxed the liquid rule to allow passengers to bring hand sanitizer containers up to 12 ounces in carry-on bags until further notice.

Here are some additional tips:

• Try to check in over the phone, so you don’t have to touch the self check-in kiosks. If that’s not possible, know that the kiosks will be cleaned many times a day, but it’s still wise to carry your own hand sanitizer.
• Security may request to see your phone and your ID, rather than handing it over.
• TSA has made no changes to the screening protocol. You should place your keys, phone, and wallet in your carry-on rather than directly on the bins. If you are patted down, request that the TSA agent change gloves beforehand.
• If you use Clear, opt for the iris scanner rather than a fingerprint scanner.
• The CDC announced on March 8 that travelers, especially those at the highest risk, avoid long plane trips.

Don’t Cruise

The State Department and CDC have recommended that U.S. citizens, especially older adults and those with underlying health conditions, not travel by cruise ship. “This is a fluid situation,” the State Department said in a March 8 notice.

Princess Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, and Viking Ocean Cruises have announced they will suspend most cruises for the time being. Virgin Voyages has delayed its inaugural season until July.

Can You Get a Refund? Or Reschedule?

All airlines have different refund policies, some of which are being relaxed during this COVID-19 situation. You may be able to cancel or reschedule without a change fee. The best advice is to contact your airline directly. With 800 numbers becoming overwhelmed, you may have better luck consulting their websites or apps. American has an option to leave your number for a callback within two hours. And, of course, if you have a travel agent, contact them as soon as possible since they might have more direct connections with the airlines.

Cruise ships have started to liberalize their cancellation policies and/or are offering the chance to reschedule.

What About Amtrak?

Amtrak has taken measures to combat the coronavirus situation based on guidance from public health experts. All change fees on existing or new reservations made before April 30, 2020, are being waived. Some services have been suspended due to reduced demand.

What are Hotels Doing?

Different hotels have different policies regarding bookings in a very fluid situation. For the most part, are being accommodating, offering different options for changing or canceling reservations.

That said, cancellation policies typically apply only to direct bookings. Any reservations made through third-party booking sites could be out of luck.

Here are the policies of some of the major hotel chains as they stand today.

• Choice Hotels (Comfort Inn & Suites, Quality Inn, Clarion Hotels, MainStay Suites, and EconoLodge)
• Four Seasons
• Hilton Hotels & Resorts (including Embassy Suites, Homewood Suites, DoubleTree, and Waldorf Astoria)
• InterContinental Hotels Group (including InterContinental, Kimpton, and Holiday Inn)
• Loews Hotels
• Marriott International (including Westin, Sheraton, Residence Inn, Courtyard by Marriott, and Ritz-Carlton)
• Radisson Hotels & Resorts (including Radisson Blu, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Radission Collection, and Park Inn by Radisson)
• Wyndam Hotels and Resorts (including La Quinta, Ramada, and Days Inn)

What if I Booked an AirBnB?

Airbnb expanded its “extenuating circumstances” policy that allows most travelers to cancel their reservations with no charge or penalty.

Or VRBO?

The vacation rental site VRBO’s “Book with Confidence Guarantee” does not cover cancellation fees due to events outside of their control, including disease.

What About Travel Insurance?

Standard travel insurance policies will not cover canceling for fear of contracting COVID-19, especially if you have already purchased your ticket. If you are looking for new insurance coverage, be sure to buy the “Cancel for Any Reason” upgrade policy. And even then, be sure to read the small print. It needs to be bought within a couple of weeks from when you booked the trip, and it probably will cover about 75% of your costs (New York State does not allow CFAR policies).

Don’t Forget Your Credit Cards

Your credit card may provide trip insurance that will protect you against last-minute trip changes or cancellations. Contact your credit card company to find out what’s covered under your travel insurance plan.

Is There Any Kind of Travel I Can Still Do While Maintaining a Social Distance?

While it’s not being recommended to jump on a plane these days unless absolutely necessary, you don’t have to give up your love of travel. Here are some ideas to keep yourself in the travel space.

Visit a Virtual Museum

Even from far away you can check out marvelous works of art at the Louvre, Vatican Museum, and Smithsonian Institution—among many others. One amazing resource is Google Arts and Culture.

Visit a Virtual National Park

The National Park Service has fabulous virtual content offering a dose of natural beauty and other national park experiences. Be sure to check out: Channel Islands Live Ocean Webcam; USS Constitution Virtual Tours; and StoryMap, highlighting important places associated with the ratification of the 19th Amendment. See more here.

Plan Your Dream Trip

We’re banking on the fact that there will be a time when travel will return to a sense of normalcy. So while you’re stuck inside, plan your dream trip! Be inspired at dreamy sites like Abercrombie & Kent and Butterfield & Robinson. Roadtrippers is another great site for finding quirky roadside destinations for your Great American Road Trip. Or, of course, check out the wide variety of inspirational ideas on Fodor’s Travel.

Written by: Fodor