Spring Break Travel Not Recommended By Loudoun County Officials

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — As spring break approaches for many students, the Loudoun County Health Department is discouraging any non-essential travel. In a news release, the department cited their desire to limit the spread of the coronavirus and to avoid introducing new variants of the virus in the community.

A recent investigation found that some people are less concerned about the coronavirus due to continued vaccination efforts and the arrival of warmer weather, the health department said. Despite the county's continued vaccination efforts, officials said residents should continue to practice social distancing, wearing a mask, and avoiding crowds.

"While we have been vaccinating more and more people each week, we are also starting to see another increase in the number of COVID-19 cases reported over the past couple of weeks," Loudoun County Health Director Dr. David Goodfriend said. "The pandemic is not over yet, and I strongly urge families and young adults to stay home for spring break, avoid crowds of people and continue practicing critical prevention measures."

See also: Loudoun County Vaccine Update: No More Waitlist For 65+ Group

The health department noted that travelers can spread more contagious coronavirus variants when they partake in non-essential travel. Officials said that introducing a new variant to the community before more people are vaccinated could prolong the pandemic.

"Stalled progress against COVID-19 increases the risk of new variants taking hold and causing a third wave of infection, including potentially infections resistant to current vaccine, which could prevent children from returning to school, and reopening of our community," Dr. Goodfriend said. "Each one of us has a role in ending this pandemic; each one of us must take steps to prevent the spread of the virus and get vaccinated as soon as it’s your turn."

The health department outlined a few steps to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in Loudon County.

• Avoid crowds
• Wear a mask
• Wash your hands frequently
• Stay 6 feet away from anyone who you don't live with
• Avoid non-essential travel
• Get a COVID-19 vaccine when it's your turn

The CDC has also published new guidance for those who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Ultimately, the CDC also recommends against non-essential travel, but they provide their own tips for people looking to stay safe when they travel.

To register for the vaccine, residents should sign up for the state's preregistration list. Anyone can preregister for the vaccine, regardless of their current eligibility. The Loudoun Health Department pulls from the state's list to schedule vaccine appointments.

People without internet access can call the state's vaccine hotline at 877-829-4682.