CLEVELAND — New COVID-19 guidelines from the CDC state that fully vaccinated people are at low risk of catching the virus when traveling.
It's the green light we've been waiting for for over a year now.
"I've been patiently waiting," Molly Kearns told 3News. "The trip is set for the first week of August.”
Kearns booked two things: First came her COVID-19 vaccine appointment, then came her ticket to the United Kingdom.
"I'm actually getting my first vaccine shot [Saturday]," she said. "We're really excited that after almost a year and a half of waiting, we'll finally be able to take this trip."
Much like Kearns, Northeast Ohioans are looking to take off.
"I anticipated that travel was going to bounce back," travel agent Jasmien Lewis said, adding business has steadily increased since the year began and as more vaccines have become available "They are calling to book, let's say, about May. It’s mostly summer travel."
According to the city of Cleveland's data, the number of passengers coming through Hopkins International Airport has increased by 3,000 in the last two weeks.
"Hopefully this will continue the trend," Lewis said.
The CDC says that even if you are fully vaccinated--meaning you have received all doses necessary for a complete vaccination and have waited two weeks--you should still use social distancing and mask precautions. A Cleveland Clinic doctor added that no matter where you travel, being vaccinated should not allow you to let your guard down completely.
"We absolutely still have to mask, especially on a plane or when you're in crowded situations," physician of infectious disease Dr. Kristin Englund said.
Lewis adds it’s important to remember rules here in the U.S. are not always the same in other countries. If you are traveling abroad, be sure to check what the guidelines are before catching your flight.