Is it possible to travel responsibly (during a pandemic)?

[SandyRobinson]

I have been to Mexico & Costa Rica during this pandemic situation. I feel more safe there than at home. They’re too many mask deniers here, like people wearing masks on their chins in grocery stores. I don’t see such behavior when I was overseas.

I just returned from Tulum 10 days ago. My experience mirrors yours - lots of masks, hand washing (and some temperature checks) before entering restaurants.

 

[uncfnp]

Just to clarify a bit. Travel does not cause viral mutations although it can and does facilitate spread.

So what does promote viral mutation? Replication. So every new person that becomes infected promotes mutation. If one is serious about avoiding mutations, don’t get infected and that includes all the mask avoiders, restaurant eaters, social visitors and of course super spreaders.

If one is serious about stopping an identified mutation, isolate and quarantine the region, not place a token restriction on the entire globe.

 

[rick00001967]

something 100% legal and allowed

with respect....just because it may be legal and allowed does not always mean it is the right thing to do.

 

[rick00001967]

So what’s your answer, just sit home and rot?

i am not sure giving up an international dive trip should be considered sitting at home and rotting. surely there are other activities to enjoy that can be safely done within ones own community.

 

[Esprise Me]

I would think most folks would prefer a world in which only those things that absolutely must be prohibited for public safety are restricted, not everything that's not a good idea. But we can't have that, and then turn around and point to the legality of our actions as an absolute defense against criticism.

 

[Marie13]

i am not sure giving up an international dive trip should be considered sitting at home and rotting. surely there are other activities to enjoy that can be safely done within ones own community.

Dive locally if that’s available?

 

[Joneill]

Dive locally if that’s available?

In NJ, that would mean cold water, low viz, and no beautiful reefs or swarms of tropical and pelagic fish - who would want to subject themselves to that torture?

 

[Divin'Papaw]

Dive locally if that’s available?

Yes!

See @Marie13 we are agreeing more and more on things!

@Grateful head ... There's great diving in Wisconsin! I've done it many times. Even under the ice. No need to "sit home and rot".

 

[Jackie Treehorn]

with respect....just because it may be legal and allowed does not always mean it is the right thing to do.

100% agree. And people can't be trusted to always do the right thing... out of ignorance, apathy, or stupidity.

If it's a big enough communicable health hazard, it should have laws and regulations prohibiting it. Should it?

 

[Esprise Me]

I'm a little on the fence, but I'm leaning toward thinking perhaps there should be more restrictions on travel at this time. Ideally we would leave it up to the individuals to make choices that at least limit the risks to those who aren't knowingly taking them on, but that doesn't seem to be working out. Perhaps the restrictions should involve mandatory supervised quarantine before and after the trip in a hotel adjacent to the departure airport. If you can swing a month away for a week's vacation, go enjoy your tropical paradise.