Tips for travelling during the pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically curtailed all kinds of travel, especially travel around the globe. Airports that have been swarming with tourists and travellers are left quite empty. Passenger traffic has drastically decreased in the past few months. Having said that, most airports around the world are still open for essential travel. They have taken significant advances into making the airport and travelling safe for travellers. With many destinations around the world opening up for tourism it is time to find out how to travel during a pandemic and keep safe.

Social distancing

Previously, you will not have found airports a place where you can socially distance. Typically, they are busy and crowded public places which are characteristic features especially at the gate. With the drastic decrease in passengers over the months, it has become quite easy to practice the necessary distance between passengers. From the time you enter any airport, you must at least separate yourself from other travellers and staff by at least 6 foot which has been recommended Dr Raymond Pontzer who is an infectious disease expert working at the University of Pittsburgh.

Washing your hands

And you have to keep doing that a lot. As you have heard before, using a good old bar of soap and water for around 20 seconds is much better than any hand sanitizers out there or disposable gloves. When soap is not available, you must use sanitizer adequately. Many airports around the world have started to have several stations with sanitizers so you will not find yourself not having any. The transportation administration also recommends the passengers to wash hands both before as well as after going through the security checkpoint. Good hygiene should be practised at every cornerstone for this method to be a hundred per cent effective. Many airports have their own cleaning regime that will keep you protected too. When you travel to Sri Lanka, you will see that there are a number of steps taken to keep you safe. You can have an authentic experience in this country via guides by websites like Truly Sri Lanka, despite the pandemic.

Face masks

We have all heard this one. When leaving your house always wear a face mask. But make sure you have plenty as one will not be enough to serve you. Most of the major airlines around the world have made it mandatory to wear a face mask which is both recommended by the health agencies and local governments. This is absolutely crucial to protect others in case one is an asymptomatic carrier. It will contain the droplets that can be passed on from one person to another. When masks get damp, it will lose its efficacy. Travellers must change their mask every four hours. During this time, you must avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes as the mucus membranes are the pathways the virus targets to enter the body.

Wiping it down

Many airlines around the world have upped their own cleaning techniques. But that does not mean you must take it for granted. You must use alcohol-based wipes or antibacterial wipes to clean any surfaces you will be touching this includes seat belt, tray tables, walls, window shades, windows and seat belts. As the aeroplanes use filtered air, you do not need to worry about viruses circulating around. Your risk will be another passenger either coughing or sneezing.

Monitoring

After reaching your destination, you must make sure to monitor yourself for any symptoms that may arise that can be related to COVID-19. If you do, immediately consult any primary care physician at your disposal.