COLUMBUS, Ohio — As spring break approaches for families in central Ohio, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center’s Chief Quality and Patient Safety Officer Dr. Iahn Gonsenhauser is confident the situation with COVID-19 is looking up.
“We really are past the omicron surge and seeing numbers return to those pre-delta levels,” he told 10TV Medical Correspondent Tracy Townsend. “We’re seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.”
The numbers back it up as well. As of March 5, records from the Ohio Department of Health showed two key metrics moving in an encouraging direction – COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are dropping.
While the numbers are heading in the right direction, medical professionals remind us that this is still a different world than before the pandemic. So keep these things in mind:
- Identify risks at your destination (Is there a high rate of transmission?)
- Know the rules and regulations (the federal air travel masking mandate remains)
- Be aware of what’s required at your destination (Will you still need a mask at the beach? It depends on local ordinances.)
- “You really need to know what the entry requirements are for the destination you’re headed to,” said Dr. Gonsenhauser. “In some cases, that’s proof of vaccination and boosting.”
Dr. Gonsenhasuser said even though rules are being dropped, there are still steps to take that can protect your family and your community.
“There are no current quarantine directions from the CDC or the World Health Organization or from local entities,” he said. “So if you travel and you come back and you are symptomatic and you have a known exposure, then you may want to elect to voluntarily quarantine.”
Medical experts remind us as always, be sure to contact your doctor if you have questions or concerns.
You can also get a check of the latest COVID-19 headlines by going to 10TV.com/coronavirus.
All this week, Wake Up CBUS is getting you ready with a checklist focused on saving money and keeping your family safe during spring break. Tune in every morning at 6 a.m. to make sure your family is prepared before heading on vacation.