Should I Get Tested for Covid Before Visiting Family?

Still, it's better than not testing at all before traveling on Christmas, says infectious diseases specialist Dr. William Greenough at Johns Hopkins University. The CDC also recommends getting a coronavirus test for the following reasons:

• If you're experiencing symptoms of Covid-19.
• If you've had close contact with someone -- within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes -- with a positive Covid-19 test.
• If you've been asked by your healthcare provider to get a test.

And it is still helpful to get tested as close as possible to the time you're traveling. Some Walgreen locations even offer drive-through Covid tests from which you can get a result within hours.