Best steps to take for safe travel in unsafe times

The entire scenario of traveling has changed since COViD-19 started spreading across the world. There has been a closure of borders not only among nations but within nations too. Great care has been taken to avoid any surge in the infections with the pandemic. We are all hoping that the situation comes under control sooner.

A striking impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the renewed consideration of safety while traveling. Be it a trip on a tourist visa or business travel, essential care is the order of the day while taking travel into consideration. Steps like social distancing and constant sanitation have been vital to preventing the infection from spreading. But more importantly, traveling with these precautions has become the major requirement. This is vital not only for travelers on domestic trips or migration overseas. It’s also essential for the operators of any mode of transportation - from buses to airplanes.

International bodies like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have given enough guidelines to combat COVID-19. Travelers and travel service providers are all equally expected to be responsible in their own capacities. These best practices will surely not be just suggestions for the time being. These could well become the new norm in a post-COViD world.

Considering international travel, what are some specific safety measures travelers are expected to follow? What would be some of the new measures you as a traveler will find being implemented on airlines for your safety? Let’s check out how all those will allow you a safe trip in these unsafe times.

Instructions for travelers on flight and cruise

If you have traveled from a country or place with widespread ongoing transmission, the follow these measures:

• Stay home for 2 weeks after arrival
• Keep a minimum distance of 6 feet from others
• Monitor yourself for symptoms
• Check your temperature 2 times daily
• Watch for conditions like cough, fever, and shortness of breath
• Avoid contact with people vulnerable to severe illness

If you have traveled from a country with ongoing community transmission, follow these measures:

• Follow the practice of social distancing
• Keep a minimum distance of 2 meters from others
• Keep yourself away from crowded places
• Be alert for any symptoms of infection
• Beware of cough, fever, and shortness of breath
• If symptoms develop, take the temperature

How airlines are taking care of your safe journey

Airlines are following standard procedures and strict instructions to ensure safe travel. Here are some of the measures they are the following:

• Airline companies are making necessary information, warnings, and guidelines to passengers on their digital channels. These are accessible even prior to starting the trip.
• At the airport, the airline companies are setting up measures to keep passengers informed of important protective measures. These include stand up displays and instruction signs at the gates and boarding points. Tensa barriers are placed at the gates to implement social distancing. Besides, the airport staff also give relevant announcements and checks that you as a passenger just need to follow.
• At boarding points, boarding is controlled by sending travelers in groups. Passengers are told to scan their own boarding passes to avoid contact.
• Inside the flight, measures are taken to reduce contact between the passengers and between passengers and the crew. In-flight shopping has been banned to avoid hand contacts. Sanitizing soaps are made available in the restrooms. Masks are worn by the crew to make you comfortable in dealing with them.

There are classifications made to make it easy for you to determine the severity of infection in the country you are traveling to.

Level 1	These include countries where the epidemic risk level is low. You may travel to these destinations by taking precautions like: ·        Keep away from sick people. ·        Don’t touch your eyes, mouth, or nose with unwashed hands. ·        Wash your hands more often with soap and water for aminimum 20 seconds. You may also use a hand sanitizer with60%–95% alcohol. ·        It is especially important to clean your hands. Do sobefore eating, after going to the bathroom,and after sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose.
Level 2	These are countries where the severity of the risk is more for older people. These older passengers must consult a doctor before traveling.
Level 3	These are places where the risk of the epidemic is extremely high. Only essential travel should be planned for these destinations.

No matter where you have visited, it is best to follow certain steps once you are out of an affected area.

• Take your temperature with a thermometer 2 times a day to check for fever. Also, beware of cough or trouble in breathing.
• Stay home and avoid contact with others. Discuss your work situation with your employer before returning to work.
• Avoid buses, trains, taxis, or ride-shares while you are practicing social distancing.
• Stay away from crowded places. Minimize your public activities.
• Keep a safe distance of 6 feet from others.

These measures combined with social distancing can make your travel safe and largely risk-free.

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