How to Protect Yourself from Coronavirus while Traveling?

People all over the world had to cancel their summer vacation plans because of coronavirus, but it’s been 9 months since the outbreak of the novel COVID-19, and as the SOPs have been well established by now, people are finding it hard to fight the urge any longer. If you too are tired of not being able to travel and just want to get away from home, even for a day or two, we want to guide you on how to protect yourself against coronavirus while travelling.

First off, your mind should be made that regardless of when and where you are going, coronavirus is going to affect your plans. Travelling during a pandemic means taking a lot of precautions, and being cautious of every action of yours on your trip too. From maintaining social distance to reaching the airport ahead of time to avoid the crowd, we have compiled a list of ways you can protect yourself while travelling:

 

Wash your Hands:

Washing hands is a basic hygiene habit that can minimize the risk of contracting the virus. While travelling, you come in contact with different people and different things, some of which can be the breeding ground for germs. Many people have started to use sanitizers over proper handwashing. This is wrong as the usage of sanitizers should only be a back-up, not a replacement to hand washing. Doctors recommend washing hands for 20-30 seconds with lukewarm water.

 

Check Local Requirements:

If you are travelling to a different state or country, it’s best to check the local requirements first. Many government and administrative authorities require people to wear masks all the time, people who have recently travelled to quarantine themselves for 14 days, etc. So, save yourself from facing any unpleasant situation and just check the COVID-19 restrictions at your destination and along the route you are taking. Local health department websites are your best bet for finding these rules and regulations.

Some state, local and territorial governments have requirements, such as requiring people to wear masks and requiring those who recently travelled to stay home for up to 14 days. Save yourself unpleasant surprises and delays by checking for restrictions at your destination and anywhere you might stop along the way.

 

Use Bottled Water and Beware of the Food you are Ingesting:

Even before the COVID-19 threat over our heads, you must have surely heard advises of not eating food while travelling as the quality of food and drinks is often found to be pretty low on the road. Quality of food might not be the only reason you can get sick; your gut bacteria may not react favourably to local produce. As COVID19 is spread a lot through the poultry market, make sure that the food you consume is very well cooked and passes the food quality checks. You should also not eat food that has been left exposed for an extended period of time.

 

Get Recommended Vaccines:

Yes, the COVID-19 vaccine isn’t here yet, but those aren’t the only vaccines you need while travelling! Even if you are travelling within your country or abroad, doctors emphasize on the importance of getting flu shots as this reduces the chances of you getting respiratory diseases.
Influence virus is the most common virus in the US that causes respiratory illnesses, but it is encouraged to get vaccinated for it even when you have an international trip. It’s best to look up the immunizations you need to get while travelling abroad. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry!