Coronavirus has impacted traveling more than any other sector. Its effects are almost more significant than the security measures after the 9/11 attack. While the event changed air traveling to ensure more screening, the covid-19 takes it a notch higher.
The pandemic is impacting health measures, sitting arrangements, and even airport operations. All this is in life with the government provisions.
Before you could travel for any reason. You could take a flight for holidays, to visit family and friends and other business engagements. All these have suddenly been downscaled. Most conferences and businesses are happening over video conferencing. Families are also taking precautions and are not so welcoming for new members at such times.
The first consideration before traveling is a necessity. Only take a flight if you cannot avoid it. Once you have determined the need to travel, look into the health provisions. Traveling increases the risk of getting or spreading the virus. You thus have to take all the proper measures.
Before you travel
Now that you have determined the need for traveling, the next step is to ensure you keep all the protocols. Consider how fast the virus is spreading in your area and the destination. Rely on the news from incredible sources like the mainstream media.
Keeping updated means having the latest news. Some cases experience second wave infections. They had been declared safe, yet infections spiked again.
Understand the risk you are at for contracting the disease. The virus is not so friendly to the elderly and people with underlying conditions. If you suffer from heart disease and diabetes conditions, consider moving your traveling to a later date.
Have in mind the people you live with when planning to travel. You should not visit those who are at high risk at this time. It is also unwise if you travel and return when you stay with such people. You will be exposing them to the virus.
Testing is also essential when traveling. Consider testing before and after your travel to reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus. Test around three days before the travel date. Only travel once you have the results.
Do not fear delaying the travel while still waiting for the results. Imagine getting information mid-air that your results turned out positive. You would have exposed a significant population. Most airlines also need test certification before you can travel. It means you have no option but to wait.
Test again after traveling. It helps to understand your status given the risks when you move to other places and interact with different people. Stay home if you test positive. Immediately isolate and seek medical attention. You would also want to notify the people who had interacted with earlier.
Keeping safe when traveling
Now that everything is clear, you can get started on your journey. The Center for Disease Control provides various ways to keep safe when traveling.
- Social distance. Maintain a safe distance of 2 meters between you and the other people when traveling at all times. You don’t have to worry about what to do on the planes. They already provide for such. You are most likely to have no one beside you.
- Avoid contact with the sick. Human nature is to always look after sick people. For now, you might want to drop all that. The only way you could help is by calling for medication attention for the sick.
- Wear a cloth face mask. Wearing a mask has become a political tool in recent times. Some function feels there is no need, while others vouch for it. Do not chances. Wear your mask at all times when in public places. You can also include other PPE supplies like gloves when coming into contact with high-risk areas.
- Clean your hands. After cleaning hands for the better part of the year, it might seem a lot of work. You have to keep at it. Most people by now already have personal hand sanitizers. If you don’t have one, then wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds.
- Do not let your guard down. Airlines opening up for business does not mean safety. You still have to stay active in ensuring safety. Do not touch your face and cough into your elbow.
How airports ensure health protocols
It might seem like you do everything to ensure safety. The airports also have a role to play in the health protocols.
- The airports allow each traveler one container of hand sanitizer. These are not up for the screening and other scrutiny. You thus can rely on your product to keep it safe.
- The airports provide that food be placed in a plastic bag than on a bin when screening. You completely separate the foods from the carry-on. The airport inspectors would not have to touch the food. This keeps it free from any infection.
- The airport allows you to put personal items like phones, wallets, and keys on a carry-on bag instead of the usual bins. They are then subjected to less handling during screening.
- The airports also provide for proper health protocols. They ensure social distancing in all the processes. Whether you are screening, getting to your flight, or any other time, you have to keep the distance. They also provide places to wash hands and might provide face masks.
Bottom Line
The onset of the coronavirus was one of the wildest times. The lockdowns meant no more traveling. However, with countries opening up, you could take your time out. You can still go for that holiday if your destination is still open.
Traveling, however, comes with more cautions. You have to wear a mask and carry with you an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. You might also have to bring disinfectant wipes and have a thermometer.
Having all this is a lot of work. Only travel if you have to. Also, only have your PPE from reliable companies. Only for the ones with a reputation for long service in the health fraternity.
