Travel During Covid-19: What You Need To Know Before You Go

With airports reopening, vaccines being delivered, and restrictions being eased, traveling worldwide seems plausible once again. Nevertheless, all covid protocols must be maintained while traveling anywhere. It is critical in a post-covid world to keep aware and take appropriate precautions to stay safe and avoid contracting and spreading the virus. According to WHO, the chance of catching an infection when flying is relatively minimal.k5+6’

Airplane ventilation replaces the air 20-30 times every hour. Furthermore, the recirculated air is filtered by high-efficiency particulate air filters, similar to operating rooms and intensive care units. As a result, the dangers linked with travel are mainly caused by direct contact with infected materials.

Vaccination Requirements For Travel

Once you are certified as fully vaccinated after two weeks of your second dosage, you are less likely to get COVID-19 disease and transfer it to others. Now, this will ease traveling and provide greater peace of mind.  Fully vaccinated also allows the traveler not to get to self-quarantine after returning from their location. There is no need to get re-tested or go to a self-quarantined for double vaccinated travelers.

But even being fully vaccinated, it is important to know COVID-19 levels in the area and country you are traveling to. If the levels are high, this puts you at a greater risk of COVID-19, and you may have proper strength and protection from the virus; your friends and family may not!

When you are thinking about making travel plans, consider the points mentioned below:

• Are you at a higher risk for severe illness? People of any age can get COVID-19, but older adults and people of any age with certain medical conditions are at a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
• Are you living with someone who's at increased risk for severe illness? If so, then try to delay your travel since if you are infected while traveling, you can spread the virus to the people you live with when you return, even if you don't have symptoms.
• Know whether your destination has certain requirements or restrictions for travelers? In some places, if you've been fully vaccinated, there are certain rules that you need to follow in that particular local, state, or country. It is a better idea to get them to know beforehand only. 

Stay Safe While Travelling

Wherever you are in the world, you must wear a face mask on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation, even if you are fully vaccinated. Remember to fit the mask properly and cover both your mouth and nose.

1. If you are not vaccinated till now, then follow these steps to protect yourself and others when you travel:
2. Maintain a distance of 6 feet (2 meters) between you and others 
3. Avoid connection with anyone who is sick.
4. Limit contact with frequently touched surfaces
5. Use hand sanitizer or wash your hands, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose
6. Do not touch your eyes, nose & mouth
7. Cover coughs and sneezes
8. Avoid eating or drinking on public transportation

Travel undoubtedly increases the chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. If you’re unvaccinated, staying home is the best way to keep yourself protected from the virus. If you must travel, talk with the physician with the help of PatientMD telemedicine services and ask about any additional precautions you may need to take.