Since COVID-19 (coronavirus) first surfaced late last year in Wuhan, China, the virus has become a global epidemic and a disruption to the travel industry, as well as the global economy. To date, people have tested positive for the virus in 89 countries, including the United States; the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued new Travel Health Notices to China, Italy, Iran, South Korea and others; and travel plans for many are in disarray.
During these trying times it is important to keep calm and realize our top priority – to stay healthy. Choosing to continue with your travel plans is a personal call. With most of the world practicing social distancing the majority of travelers are just trying to get home.
Any leisure trips you had planned can be rescheduled. To me, it’s not worth the risk. My clients have all put their travel plans on hold indefinitely until the virus crisis has passed. I understand and support their decisions. I have had some clients choose to travel locally which is a nice alternative. For now, most are waiting until the end of summer and early fall to get back out there. The current state of affairs are uncharted waters and my advice is it’s better to be safe than sorry.
For those trying to get home or having to travel, here are some tips for staying healthy while traveling.
Practice Good Travel Hygiene
-As soon as you get through security at the airport, head to the restroom to wash your hands.
– If a TSA screener needs to look inside your luggage, ask them to put new gloves on before touching your items.
-Keep hand sanitizer and sanitizer wipes with you at all times.
-Cash frequently changes hands, so use your credit card for purchases. It can be wiped down with a sanitizing wipe.
-Clean your phone and device screens with a seventy-percent isopropyl alcohol wipe, or spray sanitizer onto a soft, lint-free, microfiber cloth so as not to damage the screen.
-Wipe down airplane surfaces; seat, tray, air duct, overhead light and arm rests.
-Wash your hands before and after using the restroom on the plane.
-Wipe down the handles of your luggage; checked and what carry on.
-While face masks make people feel safer, the reality is that masks won’t prevent you from contracting COVID-19. They may keep you from touching your nose and mouth so use at your own discretion.
-If you do not feel well or another traveler around doesn’t feel well, speak with one of the crew members.
-The flight attendants have antibacterial wipes, gloves, and other first aid equipment for emergency situations. Don’t be afraid to ask for something if you need it.
All travelers should visit the CDC and U.S. Department of State websites for the latest information.
