6 Tips to travel safely during a pandemic

The Coronavirus outbreak has taken a hit on the travel industry since March. All our travel plans, be it official or leisure, came to a halt due to the pandemic, and now that things seem to be getting back on track, we are all looking for options to make it happen. 

Unfortunately, it’s not entirely safe or risk-free to travel during the Coronavirus outbreak regardless of your age, health, or the country you’re visiting. Although the mortality rate of people affected with the COVID-19 appears to be relatively low, it’s recommended to avoid traveling as much as possible to prevent any chances of infection. The best tip would be not to travel if you can avoid it. That’s because people may return from a trip without any symptoms of the coronavirus or health issues. However, they may still be exposed to the virus and risk spreading it to others, such people are called as asymptomatic. There is a lot of government guidance on how to travel safely during a pandemic, and as responsible citizens, we all are obligated to follow that. You should also consider your age, medical history, country, or the place you are going to visit before making the traveling plans. 

If you have to travel for work or for an essential unavoidable event, here are some tips that you should consider to ensure safe and healthy travel.

• Wash your hands frequently - This is one of the most critical steps that you need to consider to minimize the chances of contracting the coronavirus disease. Make sure that it’s not just a quick rinse with soap and water. You need to wash your hands for at least twenty to thirty seconds whenever you get a chance, especially after accessing public spaces or if you have taken a mode of public transport. If you took the flight to a place, wash your hands after leaving the airport. Always keep a good quality hand sanitizer with you at all times. Wiping down your airplane/train/bus seat, tray table, or any handles that you may touch will help you minimize your risk of contracting the disease.

• Keep your distance - This is another crucial step that you need to follow while traveling. Social distancing is essential, and it is one of the significant guidelines from governments around the globe. The symptoms of coronavirus disease are similar to that of common flu or cold. If you see someone coughing, sneezing, or experiencing common flu signs, try to stay at least three-six feet away from that person. It’s possible to contract the virus through respiratory droplets by cough or sneeze.

• Stay in a place with good hygiene and cleanliness - If you have to stay in a hotel during your travel, book a trusted place where you know hygiene and cleanliness are maintained. It’s always better to check-in with the hotel staff and management to ensure your room is thoroughly cleaned. You can also wipe down frequently-touched objects with a disinfectant or cleaning spray yourself.

• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands - Avoid touching your face, especially when you have been in a public place. It has been found that the novel coronavirus can stay on surfaces for hours after an infected person has touched it. It can quickly spread to someone who comes in contact with the object through their mouth, nose, and eyes.

• Wear a mask - This step can save your life. Wear a mask. Wearing a mask will help you stay protected and not spread the virus to others if you have the symptoms. If you develop the symptoms of COVID-19, wear a mask, isolate yourself, and seek medical help immediately. 

• Do extensive research about the place you are visiting - Whenever you plan to visit a destination, check the local administration guidelines and make sure you follow them to ensure your safety. 

Pack a couple of sanitizers, masks, and gloves no matter where you are traveling to. You can also wear glasses or a face shield to protect your eyes from respiratory droplets in public places. The best way to avoid the virus is to stay away from public places in general. For example, you can order take out and eat back at your hotel rather than sitting in a crowded cafe. Such small acts can help you safeguard yourself as well as people around you.

The novel Coronavirus is relatively new, and many things are yet unknown about the virus. Health officials are putting in constant efforts to warn people to avoid making non-essential travel to affected areas and stay away from public gatherings. Make sure you travel safely by following these simple tips. For more information and official public safety guidelines, visit, https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public .

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