(CNN) — As coronavirus cases surge, doctors are underlining the message that sticking close to home is the best way for individuals to help slow its spread.

"To 'flatten the curve' people should be staying home, practicing social-distancing and avoiding all nonessential travel," said Dr. Geoffrey Gottlieb, who specializes in infectious diseases at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle.

Staying at least six feet away from people you're not in isolation with is a key to social distancing.

Follow the travel advice of your local public health department and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Gottlieb said, keeping in mind that the situation is changing rapidly.

Leisure travel is not a good idea right now.

"If you're going for vacation, I would suggest you don't go," says Danielle Ompad, an associate professor at New York University's School of Global Public Health. "I definitely don't suggest you visit sick or elderly family."

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