Flights have returned again after easing the procedures and restrictions imposed by the emerging coronavirus "Covid-19", but this does not mean leniency in preserving health to prevent this global pandemic, so we were keen to provide you with some advice to avoid infection from the Coronavirus while traveling

Stay healthy while traveling

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following steps to protect yourself and others when traveling:

-Maintain a distance of 6 feet (2 meters) between yourself and others as much as possible.

-Avoid contact with anyone who is sick

-Minimize touching surfaces that are frequently touched, such as handrails, elevator buttons, and touch devices in stores. If you have to touch these surfaces, use a hand sanitizer or wash your hands afterward.

-Wear a fabric mask

-Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

-Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing.

-Clean your hands frequently. This is especially important after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.

-You should wash your hands frequently with soap and water, with a minimum washing time of 20 seconds.

-If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. Allow the alcohol sanitizer to cover all areas of your hands, and rub your hands until you feel the sanitizer has dried

Check local instructions and restrictions

Some state, local and regional governments impose certain requirements, such as requiring people to wear masks and requiring those who have recently returned from travel to stay at home for up to 14 days. To avoid unpleasant surprises and delays, check any restrictions in the area, you are traveling to and at any stopover on the road.

The best sources to check are the websites of official health agencies in your state or region. Keep in mind that travel restrictions may change quickly depending on local conditions. So, check back in, as your flight gets closer, for the latest developments.

During the search, find visitor information and opening hours for businesses, restaurants, parks, and other places that you want to visit during your stay

Air travel

Because of how air is circulated and filtered on airplanes, most viruses do not spread easily during flights. However, it is not easy to adhere to the physical spacing on aircraft. Also, air travel forces you to spend time in the inspection queues and airport lobbies, and thus you may get close to others.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States have issued guidelines to help airlines prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. As a result, most major airlines in the United States require their crew and passengers to wear cloth face coverings. To see what specific measures airports and airlines take to protect passengers, check out their websites

The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has intensified cleaning and disinfection of equipment and surfaces at checkpoints. If you haven't traveled by air since the pandemic began, you will notice some changes:

-US Transportation Security Administration officers wear masks and gloves and practice social distancing rules.

-Gloves are changed by Transportation Security Administration officers after every manual body search.

-The presence of protective plastic panels in front of the inspection platform as well as the inspection and delivery sites for bags.

-Fewer passengers, and therefore fewer checkpoints

You should also be aware that the Transportation Security Administration has changed some inspection procedures:

 

-Passengers can wear masks during the inspection procedures. However, Transportation Security Administration personnel may require travelers to partially remove the muzzle in order to verify the traveler's identity.

-Instead of handing over boarding passes to the Transportation Security Administration officer, passengers should pass them (either paper or electronic) directly to the scanner and then upload them for officer confirmation.

-Each passenger can take one packet of hand sanitizer with a volume not exceeding 12 ounces (approximately 350 milliliters) in the carry-on bag. These packages must be taken out of the bag for inspection

-Food should be packed in a plastic bag and placed in the inspection basket. Separating food from carry-on bags reduces the possibility of inspectors opening the bags for checking.

-Personal items such as keys, wallets and phones should be put in carry-on bags rather than search baskets. This reduces handling of these items during inspection procedures.

Make sure to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds immediately before and after the inspection procedures

 

Traveling by car

Air travel may not be suitable for you. You may prefer to drive, which gives you more leeway in the travel environment. You should still act wisely about pauses and pauses, but it takes some planning.

Here are some things to consider before you set out on your journey:

-Plan to reduce stops as much as possible, but stop driving if you feel drowsy.

-Make sure to take cloth masks, hand sanitizer and sterile wipes with you, and place these items in an easily accessible place so that you can use them during the flight as needed.

-Prepare the food and water you need for consumption during the flight. We recommend taking long life foods to resort to in case restaurants and grocery stores cannot be reached

-When you need to refuel the car, use sanitizing wipes to clean the knobs or buttons before touching them. After refueling, use a hand sanitizer. And when you reach your destination, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

-If you choose to buy a meal on the road, choose restaurants that offer car ordering or take-out service

Other land transportation

When traveling by bus or train, you may be more likely to be exposed to the Coronavirus if you stand or sit within a distance of less than 6 feet (2 meters) from others for a long time. Follow the precautions described above to protect yourself while traveling.

Even if you travel by air, you may need transportation once you reach your destination. On the Internet, you can see the car rental options available at your destination and the disinfection policies of the rental companies. If you are planning to stay at a hotel, check that hotel transfers are available

If you plan to take a taxi, do not sit in the front seat near the driver. Consider handling your bags yourself when riding and upon arrival. Avoid frequent contact with touched surfaces before cleaning them. If you are going to use public transportation, stick to physical distancing, put on a mask, and use hand sanitizer or wash your hands after reaching your destination.

If you will be using public transportation, stick to physical distancing, wear a mask, use hand sanitizer or wash your hands after reaching your destination. If you plan to take a taxi, do not sit in the front seat near the driver. Consider handling your bags yourself when riding and upon arrival

 

Hotels and other accommodations

Hotel staff knows that travelers are worried about the coronavirus and their safety. Check the hotel's website for information on how to protect guests and staff.

Examples of safety best practices include:

-Developed cleaning procedures for common areas, elevators, and guest rooms. As well as food preparation areas and laundry rooms.

-Social distancing measures in the hotel lobby, reception desk, and parking

-Employees and inmates wear masks

-Contactless payment

-Staff training focusing on the following:

·        Hand washing procedures

·        Cleaning and sterilization procedures

Use of personal protective equipment   

-The procedures followed if one of the guests gets sick, which must include temporarily closing the inmate's room with the aim of cleaning and disinfecting it

For more reassurance, contact the hotel. Ask the staff member to reserve a room for you that no guest has occupied in the past 24 hours.

Also, companies that provide online tourist room reservation service have improved their cleaning procedures. These companies highlight their commitment to following public health guidelines, such as using masks and gloves when cleaning and spacing guest appointments

Once in the room or rental space, disinfect all frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, counters, tables, desks, phones, remote controls, and faucets. Wash dishes, utensils, cups and eating utensils (except for pre-coated plastic items) before use

 

Make a list in advance of the items you will need

When it's time to pack up, take any medications you may need on your trip along with the following basic safety supplies:

-Fabric face covers

-Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (contains at least 60% alcohol)

-Antiseptic wipes (containing at least 70% alcohol) for surfaces

-A thermometer

Consideration for those who have high risk of infection

Anyone can develop severe symptoms if they contract a Covid 19 infection, but the elderly and those with certain underlying medical conditions, regardless of their age, are at greater risk of developing serious symptoms if they develop a Covid 19 infection. Cases that increase the risk of developing symptoms includes: Cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, serious heart problems, sickle cell disease, type 2 diabetes, and a weak immune system.

Traveling increases the risk of catching COVID-19 and transmitting it to others. Staying at home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 infection. If you must travel, talk to your doctor and ask about any additional precautions you may need to take

Remember, safety comes first

No matter how well you plan, you may have to change your plans if you become ill. If you get sick before you travel, stay at home for health care