WACO, TX — Thanksgiving has passed and numbers continue to rise.
As more holiday celebrations are around the corner other states in the U.S. are implementing travel restrictions, except Texas.
Laurie Armstrong is visiting Waco this week from North Carolina and she’s here for a very important milestone.
“I came down for the birth of my second grandchild, who’s due tomorrow,” Armstrong said.
She’s appreciative she didn’t have to quarantine for two weeks like other states advise if you visit. However, she did take the right precautions before getting here.
First she made sure she tested negative for COVID-19. Her family in Waco did the same. After all results came back negative, she decided to drive from North Carolina to Waco.
“Even though I think generally the planes are pretty safe I think the airports are harder to control, in a car I can regulate my stops and be careful about that,” Armstrong said.
Texas may not have restrictions, but it’s important to use your best judgment like Armstrong did.
“Personal responsibility is very important to Texans and so we just urge everyone to think about while you are okay and it’s safe think about the other people you are affecting,” Kelly Craine with the Waco-McLennan County Public Health District said.
She also says even as cases rise, Texas may not see any travel restrictions.
“Governor Abbott has expressed that what he’s put into order is really as far as he wants to go,” Craine said.
That also means we shouldn’t take things for granted and to make sure we’re still social distancing, mask wearing and washing our hands.
“It’s a risk, benefit analysis and as long as you are taking reasonable risks, and the benefits out way those risks for you then I think it’s reasonable to travel,” Armstrong said.
Currently, 30 states and Guam have implemented travel restrictions for either visitors or residents in the area. If you do plan to travel, make sure you’re aware of which state has those restrictions so you’re not surprised with a mandatory self-quarantine on vacation.
Here you can find information from the Texas Department of State Health Services on travel advisories and tips to stay safe.
