Allegheny County Health Officials Recommending 14-Day Quarantine, Testing After Traveling Out Of State As Coronavirus Cases Spike In Pittsburgh Area
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- After the recent spike in Coronavirus cases, the Allegheny County Health Department is putting out new recommendations for travelers. This comes as we enter a holiday week with people looking to get away.
"Stay back. I'll stay away from you. Give everyone their appropriate space and go from there," Jarrett Epperson said before going through the TSA checkpoint. He was on his way back to Austin, Texas.
"As my son said, you can't live in a bubble. As long as you protect yourself and take the necessary precautions and don't necessarily risk being exposed," Sharon Wenner from Punxsutawney said. She was on her way to St. Louis to see her daughter.
The Allegheny County Health Department issued new recommendations for anyone traveling out of state.
"I am strongly recommending all those who have traveled out of state to quarantine for 14 days after returning or get tested and have 2 negative test results at least 48 hours apart," Allegheny County Health Director Dr. Debra Bogen said.
"I wasn't planning to that but maybe that's a good suggestion," a traveler headed to a North Carolina said.
"My husband works away for days at a time so I will be in isolation," Wenner said after checking into her flight.
Recently, case investigators heard many new cases that traveled to hot spots like Florida, Texas, and the Carolina Coast.
As for those hot spots the ACHD was talking about, there were scheduled departures to those destinations as well as scheduled arrivals from there to Pittsburgh International Airport on Monday.
"Safety first. Being mindful of myself and those around me. I'm going to precautions and stay safe as best I can," Epperson said.
"My friends always considered me a germaphobic before all this started. They said maybe I had the right idea all along," Wenner said.
RELATED STORIES:
- Pa. Department Of Health & Allegheny County Health Department Launch COVID Complaint Forms
- 'Allegheny Co. Officials Ban On-Site Consumption Of Alcohol At Local Bars
Dr. Bogen is offering several reminders if you do travel, including:
- Consider rescheduling, changing, or postponing plans if the area is seeing a surge in cases
- Avoid crowded locations and close contact with people
- Wear a mask even if not required
- Wash your hands often, especially after being in public areas.