Travelling while covid-19 persists? Here are 3 precautions you should take

While the threat of being infected by covid-19 very much exists, the world is gradually opening up to the idea of travel. 

The holiday season is upon us, and businesses are also resuming. Having said that, staying at home is still a good idea, if you want to minimise the risk of contracting and spreading covid-19. Staying at home is the best way to protect yourself and others from covid-19, and you should seriously consider not travelling if you’re sick, or if you have been around someone with covid-19 in the past 14 days.

As per Mayo Clinic, before you begin your travels, ensure to check if coronavirus is spreading at your destination, analyse if you or people travelling with you are at an increased risk for severe illnesses. That’s because older adults, children and people of any age with certain medical conditions are more likely to be infected due to low or compromised immunity.

In case you decide to travel, we would like to suggest three precautions that you can take to minimise the risk of exposure of covid-19, and the likelihood of further transmission of the virus:

1. Research

Start by checking the number of cases at your destination in the last seven days at the least. Moreover, some state and/or local governments may have requirements, such as getting tested for covid-19 before air travel, downloading Aarogya Setu application to enable contact tracing, compulsory home or institutional quarantine obligations, and obtaining an e-travel pass before entering a particular destination or even if just transiting through it.

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2. Safety first

As a matter of rule, wear a face mask at all times, when in transportation hubs (airports, bus stands etc.) and when inside the mode of transportation. Ensure that you avoid close contact with other people, by staying at least six feet apart and try to constantly wash or sanitise your hands, besides avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Additionally, avoid touching surfaces as much as possible, be it ticket kiosks (pay in advance or enable contactless payment methods), handrails, restroom surfaces or elevator buttons. In case, you cannot avoid touching these surfaces, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or rub your hands with sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol, immediately after coming in contact with a surface.

Also, read: Unlock 1.0: Before you step out, memorize these 6 rules to reduce your risk of covid-19

3. Stock up

Pack smart and ensure to carry sanitizing wipes, hand sanitizer, emergency medical kit, important prescribed medication, disposable garbage bags and extra face masks/shields. Consider carrying water and food items such as granola bars and nuts to avoid contact touch points, while buying food. Besides, ensure that you stay hydrated and full for longer durations of your travel.

There’s no doubt that coronavirus has changed how we function, so if you really have to travel, it’s better to be extra cautious than to repent later!