How to stay safe from coronavirus while traveling

How to stay safe from coronavirus while traveling

Unfortunately, the coronavirus continues to spread. However, if you decide to travel and stay in a hotel, take as many safety precautions as possible. Here are some of them, which will help you to stay safe while traveling.

 

Before you travel

If you have any chronic health issues - discuss your travel with a doctor. With the way that things are going now, strongly consider that you can have health issues and is it worth to take a risk.

You can and should take precautions to stay safe and informed. Decide in advance where you will go and how you will get there if there are sudden closures or evacuations. If you take prescription medication, ensure that you have an ample supply, in the event that you are quarantined. Pick your destination wisely, if you can, avoid destinations that are seeing spikes in coronavirus cases. If you decided to stay in a hotel, concider that staying in a hotel is a calculated risk.

 

Maintain a distance

Maintain a distance of 6 feet (2 meters) between you and others as much as possible, avoid contact with anyone who is sick. Allways wear a mask when you’re in public spaces. If you’re in line and can’t create a 6-foot space between yourself and others, stand staggered so you aren’t right up against someone. 

 

Hygiene

Wash your hands often, for at least 20 seconds, any bar or liquid/gel soap is fine to wash your hands with. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose. Keep the essential supplies on hand, you don’t want to be at the mercy of hoping other people have supplies for you. Wipe down absolutely everything you’re likely to touch. Do not lean on walls or touch the side of anything that may have been placed on the ground. 

While air traveling change gloves after each pat-down. Use plastic shields at document checking podium, bag search and drop off locations. 

 

 

Although hotels should be properly sanitizing rooms between guests, it doesn’t hurt to double down and do a quick clean yourself, especially on high-touch areas like doorknobs, light switches, TV remotes, the bathroom, and any flat surfaces like tables or countertops. If you want to be as safe as possible, you can bring your own linens for an added layer of protection. Remove the bedspread when you first come into the room, put it in the closet, and wash your hands. 

Decline housekeeping services to reduce the number of people in your room. Order room service rather than dine out. Avoid shared hotel facilities like the gym and spa.

 

 

Additional measures

Some state, local and territorial governments have requirements. 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. While you're in research mode, look up visitor information and hours for businesses, restaurants parks and other places you may want to visit during your stay.

 

Don't panic

 

If you feel sick, or you know that you were exposed to someone with COVID-19, don't panic. Postpone further traveling, do not visit public areas. Keep track of your symptoms and stay in touch with your doctor. Call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you have trouble breathing, or have any other emergency warning signs, or if you think it is an emergency.