The current pandemic has affected our lives in so many ways. Unfortunately, many people have lost their lives and many more are yet to make a recovery having been infected. At the same time, life has to continue, one way or the other, which is why people are now slowly starting to travel more, especially after spending so much time quarantined. While it’s still highly recommended to avoid travelling unless it’s really necessary, there are still occasions when you simply have to use some form of transport. To help you stay as safe as possible while away from home, we have prepared the following tips and advice.
General Tips
- It is vital that you maintain a distance of around 2 metres (6 feet) between you and others, as much as possible. Also, try not to be in contact with anyone who is sick.
- Limit contact with frequently touched surfaces, such as handrails, elevator buttons and kiosks. If you have to touch these surfaces, make sure you use hand sanitizer or wash your hands afterwards.
- Use a cloth face mask and don’t touch your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Cover coughs and sneezes and clean your hands as often as possible.
Check Local Requirements
If you’re travelling, you need to get familiar with state and local requirements related to requiring people to wear masks or those who recently travelled to stay home for up to 14 days. You need to check for such restrictions at both your destination and anywhere you might stop along the way. Rely on state and local health department websites to find such information and check for updates as your trip gets closer.
Car Travel
Probably the safest way to travel these days. Not only do you have the freedom to plan the trip, but you also get much more control over your environment. You’d better plan to make as few stops as possible, but if you start feeling drowsy, make sure you do stop. Pack cloth face masks, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes in an easily accessible spot, so that you can use them during the trip, if needed. When filling the tank, use a disinfectant wipe on handles or buttons before you touch them. After fueling, use hand sanitizer. Needless to say, make sure your car is roadworthy, so that you don’t have to make unplanned stops. Get the best motor accessories for your trip to make the ride as safe and pleasant as possible. Finally, if you need to eat on the road, choose restaurants that offer drive-thru or curbside service.
Air Travel
Some distances you need to cover are just too long for you to drive, which means you must fly. The biggest problems and health hazard related to air travel is the fact that social distancing is difficult, especially on crowded flights and while waiting in security lines and at airport terminals. You have to wear a cloth face mask and you can count on fewer travelers sharing a flight. Make sure you’re familiar with the policy in place at the airports you’ll be using and also check the airline’s website to find out about their rules and regulations in the light of the pandemic.
Other Ground Transportation
The longer the trip, the greater the chances of you getting infected. It’s difficult, though not impossible, to sit 2 metres from other passengers, but that should be your aim. Again, fewer passengers are allowed on trains and coaches, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take precautions on your own. Again, avoid touching the surfaces around you and clean your hands often. If, on the other hand, you need to rent a car or take a shuttle service, you should investigate the relevant disinfection policies.
Public transport
Another form of transport that should be avoided, if possible. However, if there is no other option, you have to be careful and maintain social distancing as much as possible, wear a face mask at all times and use hand sanitizer or disposable gloves like these. If you hail a cab, don’t sit in the front seat near the driver and ensure that the driver is also wearing a mask.
While we can all get very ill from the virus that causes COVID-19, some groups, such as the elderly and people with certain underlying medical conditions, are particularly at risk and should be extremely careful. Travel does increase your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19, but if it’s necessary for you to leave home, you have to follow these and other steps recommended by experts. Don’t forget that safety comes first and that staying at home if you feel sick is the only option you have. Getting medical care away from home can be extremely tricky, which is why you should travel only if you’re healthy and is why you need to take these extra measures.
*collaborative post
Author Bio
Diana Smith
is a full time mom of two beautiful girls interested in business and marketing related topics.
In her free time she enjoys exercising and preparing healthy meals for her family.
