AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin-Travis County announced Friday that the number of cases and hospitalizations is low enough to move the region into Stage 2 of COVID-19 risk-based guidelines. This comes just weeks before Austin students are due to go on spring break.
So what is the risk for people traveling during this time? We’ve taken VRBO’s list of the best destinations for family vacations and incorporated it into the CDC’s risk guide. Here are some of the results.
Low risk destination:
- San Diego, California
- Cape Cod, Massachusetts
- Myrtle Beach, SC
- Outer Banks, North Carolina
- Hilton Head, South Carolina
Medium risk destination:
- Gulf Coast, Alabama
- Panama City Beach, Florida
- Miramar Beach, Florida
Can’t find your spring break destination? You can check here:
The CDC recommends the following for each level of risk:
Moo: Wear a mask according to your personal preference, depending on your personal risk level
Average: If you are immunocompromised or at high risk for serious illness, talk to your healthcare provider about additional precautions, such as wearing masks or respirators indoors in public. If you live or have social contact with someone at high risk of serious illness, consider testing yourself for infection before gathering and wearing a mask when you are indoors with them.
High: Wear a properly fitted mask indoors in public, regardless of immunization status or individual risk (including K-12 schools and other community settings). If you are immunocompromised or at high risk for serious illness, wear a mask or respirator that gives you better protection.
As health officials recommend continued masking, especially in Austin via South by Southwest, Dr. Ogechika Alozie, a member of the Texas Medical Association’s COVID-19 task force, says we have an immunity wall in right now, and that wall of immunity should provide some protection over the next six months.
“I really, really believe that those who are protected by either a virus or a vaccine don’t have much to fear for the future,” Alozie said.
He also noted that for those at high risk or who wish to wear a mask, it protects the wearer against COVID-19.