Coronavirus has become a life-threatening risk to people around the globe. The virus that emerged from Wuhan, China, has taken the world by a storm. Countries around the world initiated complete or partial restrictions on domestic and international traveling to prevent the contagious virus from spreading.
As a result of the coronavirus lockdowns, public transport, including subways, trains, taxis, etc. were forced to shut down. Along with restrictions on domestic transportation, international travel bans have also been implemented in most countries, making it difficult for people to travel internationally unless necessary.
At least 91% of the world population is living in a country that has enforced travel restrictions amid Coronavirus. Despite these restrictions, domestic or international travel becomes necessary in several conditions. Whether a student in a foreign country needs to travel home or a mom needs to pick food from the grocery store, travel is unavoidable.
If you need to step out, follow the information given below to avoid contagion:
Travel Guidelines During Coronavirus
Since the virus is new, people are not immune to it yet. Therefore, the best way to stay safe from the virus is to follow government-issued SOPs. There are a few precautions that you can take while traveling during the Coronavirus; these are:
1. Wear A Mask
No matter where you are going, it is important to wear a mask. To be safe, you can also put a few extra ones in your bags or car, so you never run out of masks. Remember that Coronavirus is transmitted through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing, so it is essential to keep your mouth and nose covered to stay safe. Research shows that wearing a mask can reduce the chances of contracting and spreading the virus. Therefore, make sure you are wearing a mask when you step out.
2. Use Hand Sanitizer
Keep a small sanitizer with you wherever you go and use it as needed. The CDC and other health authorities recommend that you wash your hands for 20 seconds after touching foreign objects, but if it is not possible for you to wash hands as you travel, hand sanitizers are an excellent alternative. Using a sanitizer that has at least 60 percent alcohol is advised by the FDA. The alcohol in the sanitizer kills the COVID germs that may have gotten on to your hands from touching the car handle, the bus seat, or the airplane window, hence effectively saving you from the contagion.
3. Maintain A Safe Distance
By now, most of us know that staying 6 feet from another person is key to avoiding contagion. Additionally, while you are traveling, make sure to avoid crowded spaces. Most domestic and international travel agents have implemented the one-seat empty policy in which one seat is left empty to ensure the safety of the passenger. Regardless of the travel policies, it is your own responsibility as well to stay socially distant while traveling and when in public places.
4. Limited Contact with Hotspots
A Coronavirus hotspot is a place where the infection is rampant; avoid going to such places to decrease the threat of catching the virus. For example, if you know for a fact that Coronavirus cases are being reported in a certain area of your city, then avoid going to that area.
A related issue is that of high-touch surfaces. High-touch surfaces are those that people frequently touch, such as handles, doorknobs, buttons, screens, and pens, etc. It is ideal to avoid touching high-touch points barehanded. You may use a glove or clean your hands with a sanitizer afterward.
Many commercial and public places are hiring cleaning companies to ensure frequent sanitization of high-touch public areas. However, it is best to be careful.
5. Contactless Interactions
The technology has advanced to the extent that we can easily make contactless interactions. Always prefer to use your phone for payments and booking rather than any physical interaction to avoid any threat to the virus. You can also use a card to make payments to avoid any exchange of cash. The facility of e-tickets has also made it easier for passengers to execute contact-less interactions. You should also avoid dine-in and buffets for food options and go for a grab and go option.
6. Post-Travel Guidelines
Once you have completed your journey, keep in mind that you are a potential threat to other people. You may feel well and okay with no symptoms; however, there are chances that you are a carrier no matter how minimal your interactions may have been.
Consequently, it is essential to self-isolate yourself for at least 14 days. You need to be careful of your interactions and stay at a distance with people living at your home. Wear a mask if you have to go out or interact with anyone. Wash your hands frequently and avoid any physical contact with those around you.
7. Other Travel Tips
There are several unanticipated situations during traveling, which is why you need to be careful of your interactions. Staying careful while traveling should be your top priority.
Using Bathrooms:
While using bathrooms during traveling:
• Don't touch surfaces barehanded; either use wipes or gloves
• Wash hands for at least 20 seconds after using the bathroom
• Use sanitizer if you cannot wash hands
While Getting Gas Filled:
• Use disinfectant wipes to clean the nozzle and buttons at the pump
• Use hand sanitizer after you are done with fueling
Other tips:
• Carry masks, hand sanitizers, gloves, and extra medicines while traveling to avoid any trouble.
• If drive-through, take-away, and outdoor-dining options aren't accessible to you, make sure you have your own food.
• Read travel restrictions before planning your tour.
• Make hotel reservations before leaving your house.
Getting Back to Normal With COVID-19
No one knows how the upcoming days are going to unfold as the cases are still growing, but we will eventually have to get out of our houses to continue the cycle of life. It is essential for every citizen to be careful and responsibly play their part in containing the virus.
Avoid unnecessary travel in the first place as it is not safe for you right now. However, traveling in your own car is comparatively safer than using public transport. The use of masks, sanitizers, and social distancing is extremely important while traveling anywhere.