My Sister Traveled During the Pandemic

After almost two years without visiting her hometown in the Dominican Republic, my sister, Priscilla De Los Santos, planned to travel on Thanksgiving. In the past, it would not be a problem. But public health officials begged Americans not to travel during Thanksgiving because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“My family does not want me to go because since it is the busiest travel date of the year, I might be highly exposed to COVID-19, especially since cases are rising,” Priscilla said.

With the positivity rate in New York City near 5 percent and hospitals filling, my family and I worried about my sister traveling in the middle of a pandemic. She insisted she would take all the precautions necessary.

“I have my spray disinfectant, wipes, gloves, and plastic travel suit ready. Once I leave my house, I will make sure I am fully covered to avoid getting infected,” my sister said. She was excited to finally go on vacation for a week. She insisted she felt safe and hoped the airlines and her fellow travelers would also take precautions and abide by the CDC safety measures.

The U.S. State Department reported that the Dominican Republic has 149, 630 cases, 2,347 confirmed deaths and limited hospital facilities.

According to the CDC, before traveling to the Dominican Republic, you must get tested one to three days before your trip. During travel, it is important to wear a mask, use hand sanitizer, and keep at least six feet away from people. After your travel, you must be conscious of those who surround you and get tested three to five days after you return and stay home for seven days.

Our father Francisco worried. “I hate that she is taking this big risk. Not only is she going from one of the epicenter places in the U.S, but she is also going to a developing country that is not taking the right or sufficient measures to contain the virus,” he said.  Feeling anxious, he prayed for her well-being and a safe return to the U.S.

Before she left for the Dominican Republic, our family gathered, and I explained how scared I was for her. I demanded that she stay in quarantine at a hotel when she came back to the States and take a test after quarantining.

During her stay in our hometown, San Jose de Ocoa, she stayed in the house most of the time with family members. She traveled to el campo (the countryside), where people did not wear face masks because there were no existing cases, and they rely on their religion to protect them from bad things like COVID-19.

She stayed in a hotel when she came back to New York. and after four days she went to her nearest CityMD to get tested. She tested negative for the viral infection. A week later, she tested again to double-check that she did not have COVID-19.

“So far, traveling during a pandemic can be stressful due to getting tested all the time. I think I may not travel any time soon due to how expensive and time consuming it can get with hotel stays and taking time to stand in line at CityMD,” she said.

My family and I are relieved.