Doctor Is In by Dr. Adil Manzoor OP/ED
New Jersey. Source: New York Times
Look at the picture above and tell me if you think it’s safe to travel for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I could end this article right here.
They say that a picture is worth a thousand words; well, the picture above is worth an average of 281,493 coronavirus cases, in New Jersey alone. The picture is quite self-explanatory, I’d say.
Do I need to comment on it? No. Am I going to comment on it? Hell yes!
Source: The COVID Tracking Project
Now, look at this picture above, it’s the average daily cases in the United States. See a resemblance? They numbers are exploding.
We are only seventeen days into November, and we are seeing record coronavirus cases almost every day. I mean, look at that disheartening picture. Forgive me for my fixation on the picture but do I have any other choice? And that wasn’t meant as a rhetorical question – I don’t have any other choice. It saddens me as a medical doctor to see that many cases, which mean the chances of more deaths.
And that is not even the saddest part. We are gradually settling into winter, which means many more viruses and other infections are going around, including the flu, common cold, etc. The flu itself is responsible for the death of thousands of Americans annually. When you combine that with what the coronavirus can do, it is looking very bleak.
After all I’ve said, you’ll think the answer to the topic question would be a very straightforward one, but no. It is not nearly as straightforward as you think. I can’t just say yes or no, although I am leaning heavily towards no. Very heavily towards no.
Let’s examine it from both sides. From the ‘no’ side first. Thanksgiving and Christmas are two of the most celebrated festivals globally. And it makes sense, because what’s there not to love about them? Is it the love, the candles, the sharing, getting to see loved ones? Everything about these festivals is magical. So, it comes as very little surprise that many are prepared to risk their safety and travel to see loved ones.
However, before making such a decision, you need to ask yourself this ‘is it worth it?’ I know that is an extremely sadist question to ask, but it’s one I need to ask nonetheless. These festivals mean a lot, yes, I know that, but only the living can celebrate them. If you and your relatives’ safety are going to be at risk, which they will be, you need to ask yourself if the risk is worth taking.
There will always be Thanksgiving next year and the year after, but there are 250,485 dead people and counting, from the coronavirus who will not be celebrating it. Airports and public transport stations are always busiest during the holidays, and we know how much the coronavirus loves large gatherings in confined spaces for very long periods. It is almost certain that there will be an infected person in the large crowds at airports and other public transport stations. Because of the nature of the coronavirus’s spread, it may be difficult to protect oneself, even with the necessary precautions totally.
You may not think too highly of the coronavirus because of how strong you believe your immune system to be, but what about your family members and relatives on the other side? Note how I’m asking lots of questions because you need to thoroughly question yourself and assess the answers before making any decision. It is not just about your safety now; there is also the safety of the people you are going to meet, especially if they are high-risk people. By high-risk, I mean above 65 and with underlying medical conditions.
If the people you are traveling to meet fall into the high-risk category, you shouldn’t travel. At least not by public transport. And that is even if you will be able to travel at all because we may well be heading for another lockdown with the way things are going.
You also have to consider the locations involved. Where are you traveling from, and where are you going to? Look online for the coronavirus situation in both areas and if the cases are out of control, like here in New Jersey, then traveling is a bad idea.
Another factor to consider is the state of you and your relatives’ health. If anyone on either side has the virus or is awaiting a result, you should not travel under any circumstance. Don’t even entertain that idea. The CDC has rolled out guidelines regarding traveling, and I must tell you this – there are a lot of them. So many that it becomes difficult to keep track of them. There are two options here. The first is to follow these guidelines religiously if you decide to travel, and did I mention that there are a lot of them? And the other option, which I prefer, is not to travel at all.
Now, to the other side – the ‘yes’ side. I understand what the lockdown and the pandemic have done to the mental health of many. A lot has happened in the country since the first coronavirus case. Many have been locked away from their families for months now and have started slipping into depression. As a medical doctor, that is not something I’m comfortable with. In such instances, then you have the ‘ok’ to travel. However, you have to follow the CDC guidelines religiously. I feel like I’ve said this before, yes? Anyway, it is crucial. Prioritize private transport. I mean, if possible, go in your vehicle. However, the ‘ok’ to travel does not apply to coronavirus-positive patients. If you have the virus, then please, don’t travel. I am begging you.
To summarize, the more advisable option is not to travel. But if you have to, please follow the CDC traveling guidelines. And irrespective of your decision, don’t neglect the standard coronavirus guidelines. Wash your hands regularly, maintain social distancing, and, of course, wear a mask. Stay safe.
This article was written by Dr. Adil Manzoor DO, a Board Certified Internist & Board Eligible Pediatrician, who works as a Hospitalist, and Emergency Room Physician. He is also the current President of Garden State Street Medicine, a non-profit organization whose sole purpose is to provide free preventive and acute urgent care services for the homeless. He is also the co-founder of his own unique medical practice Mobile Medicine NJ.
References
· https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.business insider.com/is-holiday- travel-safe-covid%3famp
· https://amp.theatlantic.com/amp/article/616701/
· https://www.market watch.com/amp/story/can-i-visit-family-for-thanksgiving-or-christmas-your-pandemic-holiday-travel-questions-answered-2020-09-17
· https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html
