Although there are many who still cannot get flights as their country’s borders are closed to citizens and tourists alike, many people are now heading back to their home countries after staying in their vacation spots.
For those now traveling, it is important to adhere to safety protocols to keep yourselves at a lower risk of catching the virus. Many still have to quarantine for 14 days after arriving home.
We did a mini-vacay by car a week ago. Yes, I had some concerns but it was time for a break. I felt we were well prepared and thought I would share some thoughts. Traveling by air vs car is very different but the same safety measures can be used….we had some small bottles I had filled with a mix of alcohol and gel and also had alcohol wipes. For me, wipes are less messy and more useful. I used a wipe for almost everything…opening doors, handling items in shops, elevator buttons, etc. Carry an extra little bag to pop them into after their use.
Also, I found that worrying about what others are doing or not doing can create stress. As long as you are doing the right thing to protect you and yours, do not worry about others. We took a lot of masks when we shopped, etc. and when we got back in the car, they were put in a bag and a new one brought out for the next time.
I washed them all at the end of the day for use the next day if necessary. Practice your self-distancing. I had no problems politely asking someone to move away if I felt there were too close and we could not move away…lineups, etc. Wear your masks correctly, covering both your nose and your mouth. You can talk on your phone with your mask on. Also, wipe your phone with your wipes. Try to make travel as stressless as possible during these challenging times and take care of you and yours! REMEMBER SAFETY FIRST!!!
Air travel
Because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes, most viruses don’t spread easily on flights. However, crowded flights make social distancing difficult. Plus air travel involves spending time in security lines and airport terminals, which can bring you in close contact with other people.
The CDC and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have issued guidance to help airlines prevent the spread of the Corona virus. As a result, most major airlines in the U.S. require that crews and passengers wear cloth face coverings. To see what specific airports and airlines are doing to protect passengers, check their websites.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has increased cleaning and disinfecting equipment and surfaces at screening checkpoints. If you haven’t flown since the pandemic began, you’ll notice some changes:
- TSA officers wearing masks and gloves, and practicing social distancing.
- TSA officers changing gloves after each pat-down.
- Plastic shields at document checking podium, bag search and drop off locations.
- Fewer travelers and, as a result, fewer open screening lanes.
- Also, be aware that the TSA has made a number of changes to the screening process:
- Travelers may wear masks during screening. However, TSA employees may ask travelers to adjust masks for identification purposes.
- Instead of handing boarding passes to TSA officers, travelers should place passes (paper or electronic) directly on the scanner and then hold them up for inspection.
- Each traveler may have one container of hand sanitizer up to 12 ounces (about 350 millilitres) in a carry-on bag. These containers will need to be taken out for screening.
- Food items should be transported in a plastic bag and placed in a bin for screening. Separating food from carry-on bags lessens the likelihood that screeners will need to open bags for inspection.
- Personal items such as keys, wallets and phones should be placed in carry-on bags instead of bins. This reduces the handling of these items during screening.
- Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds directly before and after going through screening.
Car travel - Air travel might not be for you. You may prefer to drive, which also gives you more control over your environment. You’ll still need to be smart about any stops you make, but that just takes some planning.
Things to consider before you hit the road
- Plan to make as few stops as possible, but stop driving if you become drowsy.
- Be sure to pack cloth face masks, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes in an easily accessible spot so that you can use them during the trip as necessary.
- Prepare food and water to take on the trip. Consider including nonperishable items to tide you over in case access to restaurants and grocery stores is limited.
- When you need to get gas, use a disinfectant wipe on handles or buttons before you touch them. After fueling, use hand sanitizer. And when you get to where you’re going, use soap and water to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.
- If you choose to pick up a meal on the road, opt for restaurants that offer drive-thru or curbside service.
- Other ground transportation
- If you travel by bus or train, be aware that sitting or standing within 6 feet (2 meters) of others for a prolonged period can put you at higher risk of getting or spreading the coronavirus. Follow the precautions outlined above for protecting yourself during travel.
- Even if you fly, you may need transportation once you arrive at your destination. You can investigate car rental options and their disinfection policies on the internet. If you plan to stay at a hotel, check into shuttle service availability.
- If you plan to use a ride-hailing service, don’t sit in the front seat near the driver. Consider handling your own bags during pickup and drop-off. Avoid coming into contact with frequently touched surfaces before cleaning them. If you’ll be using public transportation, maintain social distancing, wear a mask, and use hand sanitizer or wash your hands after reaching your destination.
- If you’ll be using public transportation, maintain social distancing, wear a mask, and use hand sanitizer or wash your hands after reaching your destination. If you plan to use a ride-hailing service, don’t sit in the front seat near the driver. Consider handling your own bags during pickup and drop-off.
Hotels and other lodging
The hotel industry recognizes that travelers are concerned about the coronavirus and safety. Check any major chain’s website for information about how it’s protecting guests and staff. Some best practices include:
- Enhanced cleaning of public areas, elevators, guest rooms, as well as food preparation and laundry areas
- Social distancing measures in the lobby, at the front desk and in parking areas
- Masking of staff and guests
- Contactless payment
- Focused employee training in the following:
- Hand-washing procedures
- Cleaning and disinfecting protocols
- Use of personal protective equipment
- Protocol in the event that a guest becomes ill, which should include temporarily closing the guest’s room for cleaning and disinfecting
- For additional reassurance, call the hotel. Ask to be put in a room that has been vacant for at least 24 hours.
- Vacation rental websites, too, are upping their game when it comes to cleaning. They’re highlighting their commitment to following public health guidelines, such as using masks and gloves when cleaning, and building in a waiting period between guests.
- Once you arrive at your room or rental, disinfect high-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, countertops, tables, desks, phones, remote controls and faucets. Wash plates, glasses, cups and silverware (other than prewrapped plastic items) before using.
Tips from government health agencies
- Maintain a distance of 6 feet (2 meters) between you and others as much as possible.
- Avoid contact with anyone who is sick.
- Limit contact with frequently touched surfaces, such as handrails, elevator buttons and kiosks. If you must touch these surfaces, use hand sanitizer, alcohol wipes, or wash your hands afterward. Wear a cloth face mask. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Cover coughs and sneezes.
- Clean your hands often. It’s especially important after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub your hands together until they feel dry.
- Check local requirements and restrictions. Some state, local and territorial governments have requirements, such as requiring people to wear masks and requiring those who recently traveled 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.
- State and local health department websites are your best resource. Keep in mind that restrictions can change rapidly depending on local conditions. Check back for updates as your trip gets closer.
This article was republished, with permission, from Merida Expat Services.
