Despite the current vaccinations and reduction in the number of positive cases, there is still a major concern among countries to maintain safety and precaution. While vaccination does have the capability to reduce cases, this certainly cannot happen overnight. With lockdown slowly lifting as the summer vacation approaches, families need an outdoor trip – with maximum safety, of course. When planning a trip, keep your COVID-19 safety guidelines at the top of the list.
This detailed article recommends a safer way to travel in the pandemic with your family.
Concerns Before the Trip
Your travel plans should also consist of these points:
Vaccination
Are you properly vaccinated against the coronavirus? As soon as you get a chance, get yourself vaccinated. Some vaccines require two shots within a 21-day timeframe so make sure to get your shots ahead of time. Sometimes vaccination comes with certain side effects like weakness, low immunity, etc., so make sure to take adequate rest before finalizing the plan.
Other Diseases
People who have medical conditions and serious diseases are more prone to getting infected with COVID. So you might want to sit this one out. If you are living with someone, who may get infected easily, make sure to get them vaccinated and maintain social distance/quarantine after your trip. The point is to discuss your plan with them and devise a safe plan.
Local Travel Requirements
Certain states in the US require people to follow SOPs such as wearing masks and social distancing. Such restrictions can change depending on where you plan to travel and how. It is always better to read the COVID-19 guideline before traveling. Instead of ruining a happy trip just because you didn’t know their COVID safety requirements, staying on top is a better idea.
Travel Safety and General
Whether you are going to Maryland’s Scenic Byways or on a long trip to explore attractions in Atlanta, keeping yourself safe is the key to a successful trip. Almost every place in the States requires proper SOPs and COVID-19 safety tips even if you are vaccinated fully. Make sure to share the details with little ones before leaving.
Here are some safety tips followed all over the world:
- Maintain a distance of 6-feet from each other.
- Avoid interaction with people when you are sick. Do not go near them if they are sick.
- Maintain safe contact with things such as stair railings, ATM machines, elevators, etc. Don’t forget to sanitize in case of contact.
- Wear a face mask wherever you go – even if it is not required. The KN-95 mask is better than your regular cloth masks and ensures more protection.
- Cover every cough and sneeze with your arm and avoid touching your face and ears with your hands.
- Keep a sanitizer with you at all costs, and wash your hands when possible.
- Avoid eating in public areas, but if you must have to, choose a safe environment.
Things To Pack for COVID-19 Safety
When you are packing for the trip, make sure to keep your guard up. Always carry these essential travel safety supplies:
- Face masks
- Disinfectants and alcoholic swabs
- Tissues
- Hand sanitizer with over 60% alcohol content.
- Thermometer
COVID-19 And Traveling Mediums
Travel By Air
Most airlines operating within the US are working by maintaining a decent social distance. The constant air filtration also makes it hard for the virus to travel. However, you do have a chance of getting infected in case of overcrowded airports with long lines.
Here are some regulations set by TSA for safe air travel:
- Mask is compulsory during screening. However, you may need to show your face for identification.
- Put your boarding passes directly on the scanner without making any contact with other people.
- People must carry sanitizer.
- Keep your edibles in a plastic bag when passing them through the bin.
- Wash your hands before boarding the flight.
Travel By Car
For short journeys and long road trips, car travel is your ideal method to travel. Now traveling in a car will give you more control over where to stay and stop. Also, you will have no contact with other people. Here are some things to take care of when traveling by car:
- Make as few stops as possible.
- Keep face masks and sanitizers with you and wear them as soon as you plan to get out of the car.
- Use alcohol swabs (disinfectants) on the steering wheel after contacting external sources.
- Pack your food in disposable containers.
- Prefer drive-thru out outdoor dining if you plan to eat outdoors.
Other Methods of Transportation
Also, you may need to use some kind of ride-hailing service to reach the airport. On the internet, you may look into car rental companies and their disinfection policy. If you want to stay at a hotel, inquire about shuttle service availability. Here are some precautions to take when traveling by other means of ground transportation like a bus or a train:
- Maintain a 6 feet distance from people when sitting or standing in such transport.
- Wear a mask at all costs – preferably KN-95 or surgical masks.
- Sanitize your hands every time something external comes in contact with you.
Lodging And Staying at A Hotel During COVID-19
Hotels are also concerned about COVID-19 safety and guidelines. Other than that, the vacation rentals and small BnBs are also committed to offering you a safe stay. You need to check for restaurants that are following the covid guidelines properly. Some practices followed by good hotels that you need to look at are:
- Enhanced and consistent cleaning
- Practicing social distancing
- Wear a mask going in and out of the hotel
- Clearing payments without money
Travel Considerations for People with An Increased Risk Of COVID-19
Travel increases the likelihood of contracting and transmitting COVID-19. Staying at home is the greatest method to protect yourself and others against COVID-19 if you haven’t been vaccinated. If you must travel, see your doctor about any additional measures you should take.
Seniors and sick people have more chances of getting the virus way more than healthy adults. If you are taking an outdoor trip, for instance, to Stone Mountain Park, make sure that older people stay behind. Most certainly, the trip is going to be charming, but nothing is more important than health.
People with these health conditions need to take care extra caution regarding COVID:
- Kidney disease
- Down syndrome
- Cardiac health complications
- Diabetes
- Cell diseases
- Pregnancy
- Weak immune system (fever, the flu, etc.)
- Sickle cell disease
- Old age
- Chronic lung diseases
Conclusion
COVID-19 is spreading even after proper vaccination. If you are planning to travel, there are a lot of safety precautions to take. Always make sure to follow SOPs like maintaining social distance and carrying alcoholic disinfectants. You have the choice to choose a travel medium but commuting in your personal car is far better than any other. When booking a hotel, read what their COVID safety precautions are. Many seniors may be more prone to catching the virus. So, it’s better to sit out from any travel plans until the doctor advises you to.
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