How safe to fly from Latin America to the USA right now?

[humptydumpty12345 5]

My fiancee has her k-1 properly approved and is scheduled to fly from Bogota direct to me (I live in the Mid-Atlantic area) next week. One or two people have cautioned me that it is (too) risky to fly her here now; I know that in Bogota there is some of the COV19 already. I also know the Bogota airport is using those Infrared temperature monitors, but I have also heard some carriers are asymptomatic. I wonder what others are doing with similar situations in the region; we were also afraid they could shut down travel from Latin America as they have for the Schengen zone soon if we delay the flight. Does any delay help or hurt the health situation? The nightmare is she gets sick on the flight. But would any delay actually help or is the risk always going to be there?

[Lil bear 4,217]

11 minutes ago, humptydumpty12345 said:

My fiancee has her k-1 properly approved and is scheduled to fly from Bogota direct to me (I live in the Mid-Atlantic area) next week. One or two people have cautioned me that it is (too) risky to fly her here now; I know that in Bogota there is some of the COV19 already. I also know the Bogota airport is using those Infrared temperature monitors, but I have also heard some carriers are asymptomatic. I wonder what others are doing with similar situations in the region; we were also afraid they could shut down travel from Latin America as they have for the Schengen zone soon if we delay the flight. Does any delay help or hurt the health situation? The nightmare is she gets sick on the flight. But would any delay actually help or is the risk always going to be there?

The risks are still increasing and increased  infections will occur into the future. There is a reasonable expectation of infection for most people across all continents. Self quarantine after arrival is critical  If it was me , I’d be travelling ASAP or not at all for 6 months. Just my thoughts. Consider also health coverage where she is now and for the time period after she enters the US and until she gets added after marriage to your plan. 

Edited March 13, 2020 by Lil bear

[USS_Voyager 1,972]

This comes down to personal choice. The US is also facing a major major outbreak right now. I believe the number of cases in the US are grossly underestimated. The stuff is already out there in many communities undetected and they are not doing enough testing, not even close. 

 

Anyway, If I were you, I would say jump on the plane, wear mask and bring plenty of sanitizing wipes. Wipe down everything on the plane that she would touch (the seating area, trays, door knobs, bathroom faucet, ... ), do not touch her face with the hands, ... that sort of thing. After she arrives, prepare a room for her to quarantine for at least 14 days. No close contact (it'll be hard, but you know... )You guys can yell through a door or something. If she's clear after 14 days, no fever, it's good. 

[humptydumpty12345 5]

Is the main danger her acquiring the virus on the airplane? The flight is scheduled for next Friday; the situation may be worse a week from today I imagine? I live in a small one bedroom condo; it may be impossible to quarantine her easily. 

 

The k1 visa is only good for six months, though I imagine they may extend it given the virus problem. But I wonder if it will be any better in two months when it warms up, or not.

Edited March 13, 2020 by humptydumpty12345

[humptydumpty12345 5]

Also when she arrives at the airport, I could greet her at a distance but putting into a hotel room would require a rideshare or public transport.

[Lil bear 4,217]

2 hours ago, humptydumpty12345 said:

Is the main danger her acquiring the virus on the airplane? The flight is scheduled for next Friday; the situation may be worse a week from today I imagine? I live in a small one bedroom condo; it may be impossible to quarantine her easily. 

 

The k1 visa is only good for six months, though I imagine they may extend it given the virus problem. But I wonder if it will be any better in two months when it warms up, or not.

Unless either of have chronic preexisting health conditions, lowered immunity or elderly , the COVID infection is likely to be mild and nothing worse than a cold .. planes are cleaner now than 1 week ago.. she is just as likely to get it from you on arrival .. more likely to come in contact with someone at the packed grocery store where everyone is panic buying .. my take on it ? Practice good hygiene, use recommended OTC cleaning products ... have her come as  planned ... get married ASAP...  enjoy a 14 day “stay at home “ honeymoon together ! 😁

Edited March 13, 2020 by Lil bear

[humptydumpty12345 5]

Thank you for the advice! One thing, "she is just as likely to get it from you on arrival" but I have not been flying internationally; the latest CDC stuff singles out "travelled internationally in the last 14 days" as heightened risk. (Several countries are mandating 14 day quarentines to all international visitors). And if the planes are cleaner will that help if someone on it is a carrier? And if I try the 14 day thing, how do I get her from the airport without contacting others (and myself)? Taking a rideshare would expose the driver and myself maybe.

Edited March 13, 2020 by humptydumpty12345

[Lil bear 4,217]

8 minutes ago, humptydumpty12345 said:

Thank you for the advice! One thing, "she is just as likely to get it from you on arrival" but I have not been flying internationally; the latest CDC stuff singles out "travelled internationally in the last 14 days" as heightened risk. (Several countries are mandating 14 day quarentines to all international visitors). And if the planes are cleaner will that help if someone on it is a carrier? And if I try the 14 day thing, how do I get her from the airport without contacting others (and myself)? Taking a rideshare would expose the driver and myself maybe.

The virus is now in the community. It is being carried and spread by people who haven’t travelled overseas. We are reaching the point now where community infection is more likely than infection from someone who has been overseas. You are right that travelling overseas is a “ heightened” risk but it is not the only risk. We are becoming all exposed to the virus. We can minimise our exposure but not reduce it to zero.  Chances are you and I will have no idea how we contracted the illness when it happens .. particularly as it appears now that some people will be contagious but not showing symptoms.  You and I could be carrying it now and we may never get sick. We would never even know we have passed it on to someone we meet.  Wisdom, caution, and good hygiene practices balanced with understanding and not over reacting.  

Edited March 13, 2020 by Lil bear

[TBoneTX 45,304]

13 hours ago, humptydumpty12345 said:

The flight

Look on the airline's website, or call, or both, to learn what extra precautions are being taken.

If she's coming on Avianca, I would be automatically assured that every possible disinfecting step is being taken.

Let us know what you learn, and definitely keep us apprised of the arrival, etc.

[humptydumpty12345 5]

Avianca "upped" their disinfection game, and offers fee-free rescheduling to a later date.

 

The next concern is whether she is safer in Bogota than in the Washington DC area; am I bringing her into an epidemic?

[Boiler 45,525]

Reasonable to assume the bans will be extended, UK and Ireland added today.

[humptydumpty12345 5]

Will it be better in 30, 60, or 90 days?

 

Also, why the 14 day quarentine if she is not from a suspect country?

[humptydumpty12345 5]

The New Zealand and Austrialian governmental sites have info I found useful for self-isolation practices. Both countries have 14 day periods for all international arrivals. Also I just heard Colombia might be restricting foreign travels until 30 May, but maybe only for entries?

Edited March 17, 2020 by humptydumpty12345