The most dangerous places to travel this Thanksgiving
EXCLUSIVE: New forecast projects dangerous COVID-19 surge by county
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It isn't too late to cancel your Thanksgiving travel plans. I've obtained some exclusive information about projected COVID-19 cases that could make it an easier decision.
Kinsa, a public health company, can predict COVID-19 outbreaks an average of 10 days before they happen. It uses data from a network of more than two million smart thermometers and accompanying mobile applications, as well as publicly available COVID-19 case numbers, to make its forecasts.
Yesterday, Kinsa introduced a new site that assigns a numeric score of COVID and flu risk down to the county level.
America is in a red zone
It’s no surprise that most of the United States is a high-risk red zone for the next 10 days. Maybe that explains this morning's CDC advisory to avoid traveling next week.
By the way, even though the pandemic has improved travel in some positive ways, you may still need some help getting out of your Thanksgiving travel plans. Our advocacy team is here to help you. Here's how to contact us.
I asked Kinsa to pull data on the most high-risk counties in the U.S. And here's where it gets interesting.
Most dangerous counties in America for Thanksgiving
These counties are rated a "critical" risk for COVID-19 infection.
The Chicago suburbs (Lake County and Will County) fared the worst. Grand Rapids, El Paso and Salt Lake City are also in a bad place. If you're planning to head there for the holidays, you may want to consider a delay.
Safest counties in America for Thanksgiving
These counties are rated a "moderate" risk for COVID-19 infection.
Northern California and Orange County, Calif., are in a relatively good place. Still not great, with cases projected to rise by up to 53 percent. But less awful than parts of the midwestern United States.
What this means for you
I asked Kinsa what these Thanksgiving numbers mean.
"We would urge all of your readers, and particularly those considering travel holidays during these uncertain times, to check the local health risk for their intended destination and make a decision which is in the best interest of themselves, their families and their community," spokeswoman Nita Nehru told me.
Couldn't have said it better myself.
My friends, if you are thinking of traveling this Thanksgiving, please, please think again.
How has COVID-19 changed your travel plans? I'd love to know. Please leave a comment, and let's keep it civil. You can also email me at elliottc@gmail.com.
No thanks to our state's governor, who follows the current US President's party line, we are #10 on the 10 worst places to travel.
Gov won't issue a state-wide mask mandate, leaving it up to individual counties or cities. Several large cities and counties have done so, but many of the rural or semi-rural jurisdictions will not. (And, yes, they're the same counties who voted for this worthless governor.) Because of a lack of rural hospitals/medical care, those folks must travel to St. Louis, Kansas City or Columbia/Jefferson City when they need COVID-19 treatment, which pushes the already overtaxed capacity of hospitals in those cities.
I am embarrassed for the state, and the county.
the article is BS....Saint Louis County is shown as a 97 using your grading system, however when you enter any Saint Louis County Zip Code, the highest ranking I get is a 91, which is way lower than Saint Charles County, that rates at a 97