CORONAVIRUS TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS: STAY SAFE

Traveling will not be the same as before Coronavirus. All domestic and international airlines apply strict travel restrictions during the Coronavirus pandemic. The responsibility to stay safe on traveling during the Coronavirus pandemic is mutual. Let’s find out how it is?

Everyone is now eager to return to normal life before Coronavirus. But as I explained in previous articles, life will not return to normal. We have to cope with the new normal life after the Coronavirus pandemic.

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As a traveler, you have to properly estimate the risk of traveling. I know you can’t wait to travel and the same is I am. But we have to understand how the Coronavirus infects our bodies and how seriously can be the consequences.

How to STAY SAFE ON TRAVELING DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

So after you decided to travel or if ever you plan to travel, here is what to do. I will try to mimic international trip planning, with all the steps and preparations. This time, I am considering the Coronavirus travel restrictions. I will do my best to stay safe while traveling during the Coronavirus pandemic.

I. On planning to travel:

So you made up your mind, and you are planning for traveling here is what to consider

1. Select your destination

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), it is better to avoid any non-mandatory traveling. The CDC has an interactive map to show the Coronavirus travel restrictions and the risk of traveling. Also, world countries the CDC has classified the countries into three levels:

First Level: you can travel with usual health precautions

Second Level: elderly and people of any age with a severe chronic medical condition should avoid traveling.

Third Level: all must avoid unnecessary travel.

So, read well not only about the country you are visiting but also about the possible risk and limitations. You should consider if your destination country will inquire obligatory quarantine and for how long and how much will cost.

2. booking airplane ticket

As you are booking an airplane ticket, there are some new rules you should be aware of it:

Select nearer destination: I think it is wise to decrease the time in the airplane. This will result in a short time of exposure to other passengers who might be diseased and can transmit infection, even if they are not symptomatic.

Avoid transit travel: even if the price may be higher. Decreasing the exposure to other passengers and waiting in closed areas is mandatory.

Select your airplane seat: I know that I have told you earlier that you should not pay money to select a place on the airplane. But travel restrictions in the Coronavirus time tells me that I must book a window seat. Obviously, the window seat has a lower risk of infection than the middle seat and aisle seats.

Book in a business class: If possible, and if the budget permits, why not experience the luxurious traveling. Also, promote social distancing and decrease the time in contact with other passengers.

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4. medical insurance

I know it is a must for every travel and I know that sometimes you forget it. But in Coronavirus time, you shouldn’t forget about travel insurance. No one knows what may happen.

Even if you got diseases by Coronavirus, Mostly, the condition will pass unnoticed or with a few tolerable symptoms. Still, travel insurance can help to cover expenses. Especially if the situation got worse – God forbidden -. Elderly and people who suffer from severe medical conditions are vulnerable. So travel insurance is the minimal precaution when traveling.

5. planning activities

The concern here is about indoor activities, such as attending museums or theaters. To some extent, the outdoor activities are safe. Because the primary transmission of the disease is through droplets and direct contact with disease people.

So, if ever you are planning an indoor event, please follow the social distancing restrictions. Also, during outdoor activities, try to avoid direct close contact with others if possible.

This also includes transportation. When possible, avoid crowded means of transportation such as public buses and metro. If budget permits, move around the city by a private car either rented or Uber or cap. Otherwise, always put on a facemask and keep on washing your hands.

II. CORONAVIRUS TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

1. packing up

So it is the traveling day, and everything should be ready by now. In a previous post, I have discussed what to do at night before travel. Here, I will add extra items to the checklist.

Face mask: the regular disposable surgical face mask is remarkably enough—especially when in a closed area like when on an airplane. Also, you can use a cloth face mask. Kindly bring more than one cloth facemask and wash it daily. Also, the medical face mask, aka N95, is not needed and better to spare it for doctors in the hospitals.

Alcohol or hand sanitizer: this is the same important as a facemask. After touching any objects and before touching your face, please use alcohol or hand sanitizer for at least 20 seconds.

Acetaminophen: is the drug of choice. Bring enough amount with you before travel. It is useful for all symptoms such as headache, body aches, and fever.

Gloves: it’s not mandatory, but for extra protection, you can use it. Also, take care not to touch your face with the gloves.

UV wand: it is a device used to sterilize objects and surfaces using Ultraviolet rays. If you can afford it, then use it to purify your airplane seat. Also, you can use it in airports, restaurants, and hotels. UV wand is not essential, but if you are obsessed, it is not harmful, and it is effective against viruses.

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2. at the airport

At the airport, the fundamental rule to survive is “keep six feet distance.” I know it is hard to keep six feet distance, so try to keep 5 or 4 or 3 feet distance. Travel restrictions in Coronavirus time require at least three feet distance; optimum is six feet distance.

Besides distancing, don’t forget face masks and hand sanitizers. Also, try to decrease your time at the airport. So better to do boarding online, and if possible, try to fly with minimal baggage.

3. on the airplane or train or cruise

Now you are on the airplane, are you lucky enough? Are the seats beside you empty? If not, then try to stay as far as possible from other passengers. Always put on your facemask. It is essential to ask the passenger beside u put a mask also if he is not. Even, Don’t ever touch your face except after using alcohol or hand sanitizers for 20 seconds, at least.

Most of the airlines apply travel restrictions to limit the spread of Coronavirus. The restrictions include gloves, face masks, and airplane sterilization.

conclusion

In conclusion, Coronavirus will stay with us for a long time. If you like to travel in the Coronavirus time, you have to cope with the new travel restrictions. The most important rule is to keep at least three feet distance, if possible. Also, facemask and hand sanitization are mandatory. If you got any concerns, please leave a comment, and we can discuss it. Enjoy a safe trip.