Published on 2020-03-17 at 10:58
by Grazia Prigionieri
Travelling during this time of pandemic is not recommended and potentially even banned depending on where in the world you live or where you want to go. However, you might be absolutely required to take a flight. And in this case, we have you covered. We have compiled a few tips which should help you before leaving while traveling and when you're reached your destination during the Coronavirus outbreak.
Before leaving
DO:
- Reconsider travelling to affected countries, especially if you have pre-existing conditions like heart disease, diabetes and lung disease.
- Verify with your embassy if local authorities have implemented any specific restrictions for people travelling abroad. These include entry requirements, border closures and flight suspensions.
- Look for information on travel insurance for medical care and evacuation if you must travel to an affected area. In most of the cases, pandemics like the one we are going through right now are not covered.
- Find out the refund policies on cancelled or postponed bookings provided by your airline or cruise line.
DON'T:
- Travel if you have a fever.
- Panic: domestic travel is fine for now. If your trip includes layovers in more than a country, you just have to stay informed and know your rights as a traveller.
- Forget to check out the website of your departure and arrival airport: most international airports are cancelling flights with no previous notice.
While travelling
DO:
- Wear your mask at all times in the airport and on the plane.
- Sanitise your seat on the plane.
- Practice “social distancing”: avoid large gatherings and crowds and stay from one to two metres away from anyone who's coughing or sneezing.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Keep dirty clothes away from hotel beds and clean the toilet seats with your own hand sanitizer.
- Wear one facemask per day in busy areas such as train stations and indoor environments with rare or no air ventilation at all.
DON'T:
- Get overwhelmed: millions of people are still heading abroad for their holidays or their business trip. Just use a combination of common sense and basic hygiene practices throughout your trip.
- Skip workouts or ignore a healthy diet: that can weaken your immune system.
- Touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Hug or get close to other people.
- Use hand dryers in public toilets: bacteria could thrive through moisture and warmth. Disposable hand towels would be preferred.
- Be afraid to go to the gym. Just make sure that machines are cleaned properly after each member's use. Just keep towels and normal clothes for changing in hygienic conditions.
After travelling
DO:
- Verify with your embassy or with the security staff of your arrival airport if you are requested to put yourself under self-quarantine for 14 days.
- Respect the rules and stay safe.
