A word of warning: until now, the COVID-19 cases are on the rise. Unless you really need to, it is still a good idea to remain indoors and protect yourself – and others – from getting the dangerous virus. The past holidays would’ve also contributed to a significant spike in cases.
As traveling can increase your risks of getting and unknowingly spreading COVID-19, it cannot be stated enough that you should choose to stay at home. However, if you must get your haircut at your local men’s barbershop, you should never go out of the home without the necessary protection. That means you need to wear a face mask and face shield (if need be) and a pocket sanitizer.
Aside from these, you also need to consider travel tips that are designed to protect you. Here’s what you should know before you even step on the bus and travel across the country.
Asking the Right Questions
When you’re about to travel, you should also do your due diligence in making sure you’re not carrying any virus. Ask yourself – is there any person in the place you’re visiting that are at risk of getting this virus? Are there any cases that are currently unresolved in that community, or do your destination – like, for instance, a hotel – have requirements for travelers coming from other places?
If you think the answer to sensible questions like these is a ‘YES,’ you need to reconsider your plans about visiting a relative or going to that convention. At this time, everyone needs to think of others, especially their health.
For Important Travel Plans that Cannot Be Stopped
While traveling gives you a huge risk of contracting the virus, there are simply some tips that cannot be postponed, like business trips. Before going, you should inform yourself of any travel restrictions you may run into. You also need your flu shots and any other extra precautions before you even step on that plane or board that bus.
Don’t ever forget your mask or face shield! These are essential, especially in a tightly-sealed environment like an airplane. It stifles the virus from traveling freely through the air, ensuring the safety of passengers and you. Always wash your hands at the rest stop or use a hand sanitizer.
Think about Getting Tested
If you must travel, you should take all the necessary precautions. Aside from your due diligence and safety precautions, you should also consider undergoing a test. You and everyone else traveling with you – whether they’re your companions or not – will feel safe if the test returns negative.
If you should test positive (whether you’re asymptomatic or showing mild signs), you shouldn’t travel. Follow what the recommendations are for self-isolation. If you test negative, you should include your test results with you and other important documents. You should also consider going into isolation for at least some days after you arrive at your destination.
Skip Traveling Altogether
This remains the best precaution against getting the virus. According to Dr. Robert Redfield of the CDC, the past holiday season may have been a huge contributor to the sudden surge of cases. During that time, the safety checks that were in place failed to catch those who may unknowingly have been carrying the virus.
On a big plane, you always run the risk of getting the infection from an asymptomatic COVID-19 carrier. Those who traveled on a smaller – but slower – form of transport like cars (sedans or SUV) had at least a smaller chance of getting the virus from passengers.
Masks On, Even Inside the Airplane
Airplanes are thought to be a safe environment for traveling during the pandemic because of the 50/50 mix of the outdoor air and recirculated air, but that doesn’t mean you should remove those masks. Even while the plane’s high-quality HEPA system filters most pollutants, the virus still manages to move through this.
It is still recommended to wear your mask. According to studies, when the ventilation is up and running and everyone wears a mask, the risk of getting COVID-19 on the flight is greatly reduced.
If you are required to travel because of a commitment or business, the best thing you can do is follow the recommendations for safe travel. Never forget your mask, your face shield, and your hand sanitizer. Reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission is everyone’s priority and doing your part in minimizing the risk is like doing goodwill for everyone who will be traveling with you.