States are lifting restrictions and re-opening in phases with adjustments expected for the foreseeable future. Changes to guidelines and protocols are occurring frequently and restrictions vary greatly by state and locality (changes included). We strongly recommend continuing to apply best practices at the individual and organizational level and brace for tightening restrictions in select locations that are seeing significant spikes in cases. The US surpassed 2.2 million cases while the mortality rate is approximately 5.4% of all known cases. Nearly 163,000 cases have been reported in the last 7 days.
We are continuing to monitor spikes in COVID-19 cases in the coming days that can be attributed to increases in testing and large scale gatherings in many locations. We continue to recommend telework for employees wherever possible, adhering to social distancing and applying aggressive preventive measures (washing, cleanliness, ensuring anyone with symptoms or who feels ill does not join gatherings or come to work etc.). Eliminate non-essential travel and encourage employees and visitors to apply social distancing. We strongly encourage all leaders and individuals to comprehensively plan for return to work with integrated risk management protocols and practices and avoid rushing to failure.
Please note:
• 25.7 million COVID-19 tests conducted in the US – 7.8% of the total population
• 2,208,486 confirmed cases in the US – up from on 2,045,741 on 9 June
• 16,695 cases are currently considered critical – down from 16,952 on 9 June
• 119,133 deaths in the US – up from 114,151on 9 June
• 903,136 recoveries in the US –114,251 new reports since 9 June
• NY accounts for 4.9% of cases worldwide (trending downward)
• NY, NJ & CA account for 33.3% of US cases
Even where shelter in place is not directed, we strongly recommend social distancing, along with aggressive hygiene and eliminate all unnecessary interactions with others to reduce the spread, including wearing a mask where social distancing cannot be maintained
The Situation:
Currently, the U.S. has at least 2,208,486 confirmed cases – the highest in the world – with 405,705 of those located in New York - accounting for 4.9% of cases worldwide. Additionally, New Jersey has 170,250 cases and California has 159,183 cases. Together, the top three states, New York, New Jersey and California, account for 33.3% of all cases in the U.S – totaling 735,218.
There are 903,136 recorded recoveries and 119,145 recorded deaths. On 3 May, the U.S. recorded its highest daily death toll with 2,909 deaths in 24 hours. Previously, the highest death toll in a 24-hour period was 2,471 on 23 April.
For those states monitoring hospitalizations from 25 May to 9 June the following states increased: Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah.
Over the last two weeks, 20 states are showing increasing trends of daily cases (this could be partially attributed to increased testing), while 11 states are holding steady and 19 states are showing decreases. Those states showing increasing trends include: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Vermont, and Wyoming. Those states showing steady daily case trends include: Iowa, Kansas Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee, Washington, West Virginia
Many states’ stay-at-home/shelter-in-place orders have expired; safer-at-home orders and phased reopening plans have taken their place. Expiration dates and guidelines are subject to change (See below for updated State-by-State measures for lifting restrictions).
Travel Restrictions and Recommendations:
• U.S. DoS Global Level 4 Health Advisory (31 March) – Do Not Travel
• The US-Canada border remains closed to non-essential travel until 21 July
• The US-Mexico border remains closed to non-essential travel until 21 July
• Current CDC Travel Alerts for Covid-19 by country
Symptoms to Watch Out For:
Officials say the respiratory disease, is capable of spreading through human-to-human contact, droplets carried through sneezing and coughing, and germs left on inanimate objects. The virus might spread during the incubation period – which is believed to be from 1 to 14 days. Be on the lookout for the following symptoms:
• High fever
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Cough (usually dry)
• Sore throat
• Chills, sometimes with repeated shaking
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches or pain
• Diarrhea, nausea, and/or vomiting
• Loss of smell and/or taste (uncommon)
• Confusion, stroke-like symptoms, and/or seizures (rare)
• Pneumonia (secondary infection)
Mitigating Measures to Apply while in the US:
• Monitor local official information outlets for updates
• Avoid non-essential travel to areas where the virus is known or spreading rapidly
• Travelers who return from infected areas should self-quarantine
• Practice social distancing at the workplace and in public spaces
• Consider work from home arrangements for employees in locations where the virus is spreading or if employees must transit through those areas
• Employees who feel ill or who have flu-like, respiratory or other symptoms should consider self-quarantine and/or stay at home instead of attending events in person
• Weigh the risks of conducting large scale gatherings where the virus is located and the potential for attendees to transit through higher risk areas
• Avoid contact with animals, animal markets, and products that come from animals
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water; use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water isn’t available
• Older travelers and those with underlying health issues may be at higher risk and should speak to their healthcare provider before travel
• Avoid exposure to those presenting the above symptoms
• Avoid populated areas and gatherings especially if you feel ill (if at all possible)
• Allow extra time for temperature screening at airports
• Seek medical care immediately if you experience symptoms and have recently traveled to the infected areas; notify your healthcare provider of your recent travel
• Some airlines and airports may require use of a mask at the facility and while aboard the aircraft. Confirm with your airline current policies in place.
• Confirm travel schedule is not impacted by the coronavirus (including quarantines, which may be individually-imposed, visit restrictions, visa validity etc.)
Affected Travelers and others:
All travelers have the potential for exposure.
DISCLAIMER and Hold Harmless Disclaimer: LSDS™ gathers information from multiple sources and offers insight and perspective to travelers. Sources cannot be validated for accuracy in every instance. Travelers assume all risk associated with their travel and are responsible for the decisions associated with travel and for their own safety. Users of this reference document agree, to hold harmless LSDS™ (LLC) its employees and clients associated with any risk or injury incurred during travel.