LANSING, MI - Several states in the U.S. are now at a high risk for COVID-19. The Ingham County Health Department (ICHD) has recommended people that have recently traveled to states that are at high risk of the coronavirus to self-quarantine for 14 days when returning from a state that is at risk for an active outbreak. States that have been identified by the COVID Act Now that are at high risk are Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, South Carolina, Texas and West Virginia.

ICHD recommends people to use the COVID Act Now, by going to the COVID Act Now website for daily updates on information for high-risk states and to make decisions regarding domestic travel-related quarantine and workplace exclusions. Employers are encouraged to exclude such travelers from the workplace and work remotely from home if the option is available.

Ingham County Health Officer Linda Vail said, “Approximately one-third of positive cases in Ingham County have recent travel in their history. Travel can be a very risky activity right now. Many people are use to being able to getaway in the summer, but this is not a typical summer. We urge caution and the avoidance of non-essential travel, especially to high-risk areas.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) discourages all non-essential international travel and encourages people to wash their hands well and often, wear face masks or coverings, avoid large crowds, and social distancing.