“Given the strain we already have on our health care systems we don’t want people flocking to one place, getting sick, and then placing even more of a strain on the health care system” there, Dr. Kuppalli said, noting examples of people traveling to Hawaii, where additional illnesses would add undue strain to the state’s already overburdened system.

First consider why you want to travel.

“Traveling longer distances by car is not advisable right now, unless it is of a more urgent nature,” said Rachel Patzer, an epidemiologist and director of health services research at Emory University School of Medicine. “If it is far enough that it requires you to refuel or stop for food, this may be more difficult to practice social distancing and could put you or others at risk.”

Moreover, she said, “If you got sick and were far away from home it may be important for you to know where to go to get care, which may be more difficult if you are on the road traveling.”

I need to drive a far distance, but the trip is in only one state. Is that OK?

Again, traveling short distances are better than long ones, even if you’re not leaving the state, Dr. Patzer said.

I am in my 30s and healthy, and my son lives 150 miles away. He is 11 and healthy. Is it safe to travel to go pick him up?

“I don’t see why you shouldn’t be able to travel to go pick him up,” Dr. Kuppalli said, adding that the reader should clean out the car first. “I would be more concerned about the family he is planning on visiting. How old are they? Do they have medical conditions? What types of plans do they have for the visit? These are the things you need to think about.”