Illinois Department of Public Health releases travel map for guidance on risk

SPRINGFIELD–The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) launched a new COVID-19 travel map on Aug. 17 to help inform residents about potential risks about travel during the pandemic. The map indicates countries and states with increased risk of COVID based on case rates.

“Travel may increase the chance of becoming infected and spreading COVID-19,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “To help inform residents where they might be at greater risk of being exposed to COVID-19 when they travel, IDPH has launched a map that clearly shows states and other countries where case rates are elevated. While staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, we know that it may not be possible to avoid all travel. We encourage people who are traveling, whether for work or otherwise, to check out the map before making plans.”

Locations that have an average daily case rate of 15 cases per 100,000 or greater are designated as high risk by IDPH.

IDPH is reminding residents to not travel when sick or with someone who is sick and to avoid airports, bus stations, train stations and rest stops as they are all places where travelers can be exposed to the virus in the air and on surfaces.

IDPH’s travel guidance states that if someone must travel away from their local community, that they stay informed about the current COVID status of a potential destination and to keep their family safe by avoiding travel to places of higher risk.

The travel guidance states that if an individual’s essential travel requires him or her to be in areas of higher risk, that they stay home if possible and monitor their health for 14 days.

IDPH also states that those commuting to work in another state can increase his or her risk of exposure.

IDPH’s travel map can be found at dph.illinois.gov/covid19/travel.