Traveling During Coronavirus: Safety Tips and Advice

By Brittany Loeffler on March 26, 2020

The world has come to a standstill amidst the coronavirus outbreak that has infected hundreds of thousands of people across the globe. Governments are putting entire cities and countries on lockdown, and hospitals are overwhelmed with patients and the need for medical supplies. Social distancing and working remotely have become a new reality for most of us. We are confined to our homes, supporting each other from afar to get through this difficult time.

That being said, the travel industry has also come to a screeching halt. Countries’ borders are closing, and flights are being canceled. Traveling during coronavirus is not recommended, but if you have to, here is what you need to know to stay safe.

traveling during coronavirus

Photo by Brittany Loeffler

Do Not Travel

Traveling during coronavirus is not recommended. It isn’t easy canceling a trip you’ve had planned for months and were excited for. However, now is not the time to travel and be close to people. It not only puts you at risk for contracting coronavirus but also puts you in a position of spreading it to hundreds of people at once. As the outbreak worsens, many countries are closing their borders to non-citizens and residents. If you are currently abroad, it’s a good idea to get back home while you can, or you risk the chance of being stuck for an indefinite amount of time.

If You Must Travel

If you must travel to get back home, there are plenty of safety precautions to take to avoid catching and spreading the disease.

Wash Your Hands

It sounds so simple and was something we were taught at a very young age. However, washing your hands often is the best way to keep yourself safe. Wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds to kill any germs. If you don’t have access to a sink and soap, hand sanitizer works just as well. You can even make your own if you find that the stores are out of stock.

Don’t Touch Your Face

Try not to touch your face, nose, mouth, or eyes without washing your hands first. This may be difficult at first, especially if you have a habit of doing it. Do your best to be conscious of touching your face while out in public or in transit.

Wear a Mask if You’re Coughing

We see a lot of people wearing masks over their nose and mouth when out in public. While it gives the impression that you are protecting yourself from coronavirus, it actually doesn’t do much for you. Now, if you have a cough, then you should definitely be wearing a mask to prevent the spread of germs to other people.

Keep Social Distancing

You’re probably tired of hearing this phrase “social distancing,” but it’s absolutely necessary. When traveling or out in public at all, keep at least six feet away from people. Many businesses have put markers in their checkout lines telling people where to stand, so they follow this practice. If you’re on a plane, try your best to sit away from people. This is definitely possible because there will be plenty of empty seats.

Wipe Down Surfaces

It’s a good idea to keep a packet of disinfectant wipes with you while traveling so you can wipe down your seat, armrests, and tray tables. While airlines are doing their best to keep everything clean, you can never be too careful.

When You Get Home

Traveling means coming into contact with a lot of items that many people have either touched or been around. To keep from bringing home the coronavirus or spreading it, follow these tips.

Wash Your Clothes

The minute you get home, take a shower. Put the clothes you wore while traveling in a plastic bag. Then throw them in the wash, along with all other articles of clothing you have packed.

Disinfect Your Luggage

Clorox wipes are going to be your new best friend for the next couple of days. Rub down your luggage in all the nooks and crannies before bringing it into the house with disinfectant wipes. Take a wipe and disinfect everything you have been traveling with; your phone, computer, water bottle, shoes – everything!

Self-Isolate

It’s recommended that you stay quarantined for two weeks after traveling. This is because the coronavirus has an incubation period of 14 days. So, if you are carrying it, you decrease the chance of spreading it to other people by staying home. It may be difficult, but there are plenty of ways to keep busy during isolation!

Do Your Part

The coronavirus outbreak calls for everyone to do their part in the fight to stop the spread of this virus. If you do not have to travel or leave the house, then don’t. Stay home! The faster everyone cooperates and stays home, the quicker our world can get back to normal. So, do your part, wash your hands, and stay home to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

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