Why you should get COVID-19 tested even if you’re not flying
Nearly 30 million Americans have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and it appears the United States may finally be turning a corner in the pandemic.
But as vaccination rates tick upward, there's been another disturbing trend: COVID-19 testing has decreased, according to the news website Axios. Just 1.17 million people were tested in the U.S. on March 7, compared to nearly 2 million tests on the same date in January, according to the COVID Tracking Project.
Even if you aren't traveling, and yes, even if you've been vaccinated, experts say it's still essential to get tested often for COVID-19. Here's why you should still get tested for COVID-19, even if you're not planning to hop on a plane soon.
Do I still have to get tested for COVID-19 if I've been vaccinated?
All travelers flying to the U.S. need to provide proof of a negative coronavirus test before boarding. Travelers who have been vaccinated are not exempt from this requirement, so if you plan to fly internationally, you'll need to get tested anyway.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages even those who have been fully vaccinated to take precautions such as testing before and after travel and staying in quarantine for seven days after traveling. And even if you've been vaccinated, current guidelines suggest waiting two weeks before you hit the road.
It's still unclear whether people who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 can be asymptomatic carriers, and experts say people who have been vaccinated should err on the side of caution.
"There are studies that say that even though there you're vaccinated, you can still carry the virus and transmit it to someone else," said Dr. Michael Haddad, the owner of Urgent Medical Care & MRI in Jersey City, New Jersey, which offers a range of COVID-19 tests.
Related: What you need to know about getting COVID-19 tested for US-bound international flights
Should I still get tested even if I'm not flying?
After being vaccinated, not everyone will immediately book a flight to paradise.
Some travelers may instead opt for road trips, train rides or staycations. Still, if you'll be in contact with others outside of your "pod" or household, frequent testing is a best practice.
Though the CDC is still recommending that people avoid travel, the agency also has specific recommendations for getting tested. Also, remember to avoid crowds and self-quarantine for seven days after your trip, even if you test negative for COVID-19.
Why are COVID-19 testing rates going down?
After a grim winter and the emergence of several highly contagious variants of the coronavirus, news of vaccines with high efficacy rates brought much-welcomed hope.
According to the CDC, just under 10% of the population has been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, and new cases, hospitalizations and deaths are down, according to the COVID Tracking Project. Experts point to this confluence to explain why testing has dropped.
"The vaccinations definitely changed people's mindset as far as getting tested," said Dr. Haddad, but he noted that his clinic, which caters to travelers looking for expedited test results, hasn't seen a dip in demand.
Dr. Haddad also noted that although promising, the current vaccinations numbers aren't enough.
"That's nowhere near what we need," Dr. Haddad continued. "We need to be at 70% or 80% of the population being vaccinated for it to make a difference. Until we get that herd immunity, this is going to go on and on."
Where can I get a COVID-19 test?
What's become clear is that, despite the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines, people will still need to get tested in order to travel and take part in other activities. Many countries and some states require negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests taken within a certain amount of time — usually 72 hours — before departure.
Many facilities can provide results between 48 and 72 hours, and some can even process PCR tests in as little as an hour. These types of tests can be helpful even if you aren't traveling: I scheduled a rapid PCR test in advance of a New York Knicks game at Madison Square Garden recently.
Related: Traveling soon? Here's where you can quickly get a COVID-19 PCR test for travel
Bottom line
Even if you aren't flying or traveling right now, you should still make COVID-19 testing part of your regular routine, regardless of whether or not you've received a vaccine. Experts are still unsure about asymptomatic spread for those who have been vaccinated, so taking all precautions is essential, especially as troubling variants of the virus continue to emerge around the world.
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Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
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- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.