Most of us have avoided all unnecessary travel over the past year or so – taking holidays seems to have become a distant dream right now. However, there are times when travel becomes necessary and unavoidable. Alas, the COVID19 pandemic hasn’t gone anywhere yet. So how can we travel safely? How can we avoid getting infected with the coronavirus when we travel and safeguard loved ones?
In some cases driving down can make a lot of sense – particularly if the distance can be covered the same day. In a plane or train, one is inside an enclosed space with lots of others for prolonged periods, touching many shared surfaces, which is not ideal. On the other hand, driving one's own car means that there is less contact with strangers and shared surfaces. However, if driving involves stopping overnight at hotels this may negate the aim of limiting contact. And if it is a taxi with a driver, that again increases the chances of contagion. So choose the right mode of travel.
It goes without saying that COVID protocols must be followed while travelling – wearing masks, regularly sanitising or washing hands, maintaining distance from others and avoiding touching as far as possible. Make sure that you avoid touching shared surfaces as far as possible and cooperate with the rules for safe travel as directed. Minimize moving around and stay in your seat for the duration of travel to the extent possible. This is for your own as well the safety of all travellers.
It may be a good idea to wipe down armrests, seats, headrests and so on before settling into a seat that has recently been occupied by someone else. Antibacterial wipes may be useful to carry along for this reason. They can also help sanitise plates, cutlery and table tops when having a meal. A sanitising travel wand that emits UV light to kill germs may also be a good idea.
Travel means that one has to eat out, use public restrooms and so on. It may be a good idea to pay extra to use shops, services and establishments that check temperatures, dispense sanitiser sprays at the entrance and declare their employees to be regularly tested and safety protocol compliant.
This may be a good idea if you're travelling, say to visit elderly relatives or friends who may be at greater risk of infection or may have comorbidities. It may also be a responsible thing to do if travelling by shared transport; so that you don’t risk spreading an infection even if you yourself may be asymptomatic.
Try to carry your own food to reduce contact with servers, shared surfaces or possibly infected food. Rather than several small bags carry fewer, maybe larger pieces of luggage. Choose proper suitcases bags that secure belongings rather and avoid carrying things in open polythene bags etc. This way there are fewer objects to handle and fewer surfaces that will come into contact with others and shared surfaces. Make sure you're carrying enough extra masks and an adequate supply of sanitiser. Launder clothing that was worn while travelling as soon as you reach your destination.
And just as a footnote, think and rethink whether travel is necessary or whether it can be postponed /put off till a later, safer date. If you must travel, keep these pandemic safe travel tips in mind.
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