Thanks to the new Omi Keron variant of the new crown virus, going home on vacation has become more complicated.

On Thursday, the Biden administration tightened regulations for international travelers, including a 24-hour test window for any entry. The White House also extended the state's authorization for federal masks on public transportation hubs such as airports until March 18.

If you plan to travel on winter vacation soon, whether domestic or international, you may be wondering: Is Omi Keron a reason to cancel or postpone the trip?

At least for now, there is no direct "yes" or "no" answer. Scientists are still trying to understand how Omi Keron is spread, whether it will evade the protection of the vaccine, and how widespread these cases are around the world. By mid-December, when you might be traveling, researchers should have at least some answers.

But these three questions can help you make an informed decision, especially as scientists discover more about Omi Keron in the coming weeks.

where are you going?

According to the World Health Organization, the following categories of people should postpone their travel to places where there is community transmission of Omi Keron:

· People who have not been vaccinated

·No person infected with the new coronavirus

Anyone with underlying diseases that may increase the risk of severe new coronavirus symptoms

· People over 60

The problem is: it is too early to say where these locations are. Countries around the world are currently sequencing the genes of the new coronavirus test samples to identify the Ome Keron case.

So far, this variant has been detected in 38 countries on Friday morning, including Italy, the United Kingdom, France, Portugal, and Mexico. In the United States, cases have been reported in Hawaii, New York, Colorado, Minnesota and California.

Dr. Carlos Del Rio, Executive Vice President of Emory of the Grady Health System and President-elect of the American Infectious Disease Association, said in a briefing on Thursday: “One of the lessons learned from this Ome Keron incident Yes, it may have started before we actually detect it,". "When is it? We don't know."

The U.S. domestic travel agreement is currently basically unchanged. If you travel abroad, regardless of your vaccination status, you now need to take a negative test within 24 hours before returning home.

Some countries-including Japan, Israel and Morocco-have temporarily barred all foreigners from entering due to Omi Keron.

Are all members of your tour group vaccinated?

Even before the arrival of Ome Keron, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended to postpone your travel plans until you are fully vaccinated. This is particularly important now.

Simply put: vaccination and booster shots are the only best way to prevent Omi Keron. This variant contains mutations that may allow it to evade the protection of the first round of new coronavirus vaccination. But the booster shot will increase your antibody levels, enough to provide some protection for all Covid variants, including Omi Keron.

Your vaccines and boosters also cause your body to produce T cells, which can target and destroy virus-infected cells. Therefore, if your Covid test is still positive, you are much less likely to develop a serious illness.

In addition, you should wear a mask in a public indoor environment, keep physical distance from others, and be alert for any signs and symptoms of the new coronavirus during any upcoming travel.

Can you be tested before or after your travel date?

Del Rio said that testing for the new coronavirus before and after travel is "a very effective way to know if you have been exposed to the new coronavirus and prevent it from spreading to others."

del Rio said that he was tested within 24 to 48 hours before the trip and again within 2-3 days after landing. Covid tests are not required when traveling in the United States, but they are still wise.

He said: "As an individual, when I travel by air, I will test myself 24 to 48 hours before the trip." "I started testing myself two or three days after I landed." Even if you are traveling in the country and do not need to test, it is wise.

And if you still have time before you need to make a decision to keep or cancel your travel plan, you can consider waiting a little longer.

"Scientists are sorting these test results as quickly as possible," Dr. Nicholas Kman, an emergency medicine expert at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, told CNBC Make It. "But like everything, we also learn by doing."