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The deadly Coronavirus (COVID 19) continues to spread across the globe and has been declared a pandemic by WHO. That complicates travel possibilities for you and your loved ones. Is it wise to travel or not has become a complicated question? Stay informed about these pressing questions related to safety while traveling. We assist you in the following safety precautions to keep the dreaded virus at bay. Here are the expert-recommended tips to minimize health risks and travel safely during this Coronavirus outbreak.
Wash Your Hands Every 30-Min
The best thing you can do is to wash your hands frequently to minimize risk. This is not just a quick rinse. Use soap for about 20 seconds at regular intervals. In case you don’t have access to soap and water, you can rub your hands with a sanitizer gel with at least 60% alcohol content. Remember to rub the gel on your wrists as well.
Keep Your Distance
Stay at least 3 feet (or 2m) away from everyone, especially if you notice someone sneeze, cough or show any flu-like symptoms. Cover your nose and mouth with a flexed elbow or a tissue while coughing or sneezing to avoid the spread. Request the flight attendant to instruct the sick passenger to wear a mask. Move around less in the plane. Although, the flights and any other public transport are being thoroughly disinfected for each tour. So, take a deep breath and relax!
Do Not Touch Your Face
As the novel coronavirus can live on surfaces touched by an infected person for hours. It can enter your system if you touch your mouth, nose or eyes post-contact with the same surface. If you are traveling to and fro public places, do not touch your face without cleaning your hands with soap thoroughly for about 20 seconds.
Avoid Crowds
If you are traveling to high-risk destinations with many reported cases, the best thing to do is to avoid crowds as much as you can. Ensure you keep a safe distance during these uncertain times. Distancing ourselves from others to stay strong is the best option.
Follow Health Advisory of the Destination of Travel
Stay updated with the Health Advisory and travel guidelines of the country of travel. If certain regions are cordoned off, please follow appropriate guidelines to stay out of any trouble.
Wear a Mask and Seek Medical Help
One of the most important ways to travel safely during Coronavirus, is if you develop COVID 19 symptoms such as fever, dry cough, breathing difficulty, please wear a mask to avoid risking other people and seek medical help instantly.
Check for Flight Cancellations/Travel Bans
In an effort to reduce the spread of COVID 19, many countries are restricting travel. Kindly stay informed of flights being canceled especially to countries such as China, Italy, Iran, and South Korea. Please check with your airline before you reach the airport.
Flights have been drastically reduced or canceled and there are widespread closures of public areas. Italy and France are in lockdown and stay at home orders have been received in many countries. Please research thoroughly before embarking on your travel.
Flying vs Road Travel
Please remember to avoid any non-essential travel as of now. Although in a car you may be exposed less to the virus than you might in a plane. However, the risk is the same once you reach the travel destination. Promoting social distancing is key and staying close to home to prevent the outbreak from spreading is the key.
You can even choose a self-isolation period of 14 days to eliminate the virus (if present) and to keep your loved ones safe.
Road Travel
A good idea would be to swab the steering wheel, gear stick, dashboard control, door handle and interiors of the car. Wipe down at the end of your journey especially if you have taken co-passengers.
Routine cleaning, disinfecting touched objects and surfaces and avoiding communal sharing is the key to safe travel. Look out for ‘book now pay later programs’ managed by some travel companies that are very useful in the current scenario.
For public transport, Governments have unveiled enhanced cleaning systems as a regular procedure. Walk or cycle more often.
What To Do With a Pre-booked Holiday?
If you have an itinerary that was previously booked, then we suggest you reschedule it instead of seeking cancelation. Rescheduling is not only cheaper but also more convenient than canceling a tour entirely. Travel during Coronavirus safely with the above-discussed tips.
Stay Safe! Stay Healthy!
Read More: What Are The COVID-19 Symptoms for Travelers To Seek Help For? Complete Travel and Safety guidelines: COVID-19
