Covid-19 Pandemic Safety Travel Tips
By Escapy Travel Magazine
There are many reasons to travel and sometimes, for some people; it is a way of regaining some mental stability. Staying locked up has certainly brought about a high number of depression cases that lead to suicide. As a travel magazine we have held back on travel and promoting travel for many months but after talking with a psychologist friend; we realize that for some people travel is needed for the sake of keeping sane.
Since travel is something that people are going to do (unless laws are put in place to curb travel), the next best responsible thing to do is to share how one can travel and limit or reduce the risk of catching the Covid-19 virus.
Follow the SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) set by the Ministry Of Health.
Mental Change
When you leave your home always go out with this mindset… “the reason I am follow SOPs is to ensure that just in case I have the virus, I will not spread it.” With this mindset you are likely to do all you can to ensure not only the safety of yourself but also that of others.
Mask On
Always have your mask on and wear it properly. Wear a proper mask too (the one’s recommended by the Health Ministry). Ensure that your mouth and nose are covered. This not only stops you from spreading the virus should you have it. It also protects you from catching it. Throw that mask away properly too once you are done with it.
Sanitize And Wash
Carry a bottle of hand sanitizer with you wherever you go. Ensure it is strong enough to kill the virus. Every time you touch something; use it. I personally apply it on my fingers, palms, and forearms (if wearing short sleeve shirts). Also sanitize objects that you may use to touch surfaces such as to press the buttons in an elevator. Sanitize the object right after using it.
Whenever you get the opportunity to wash your hands with soap, do so. Wash as often as you can. This is one of the best ways to kill off the virus should it be on your hands. Also was items that you may have placed on surfaces (mobile phone on table).
Mobile Phones And Devices
One of the list thought about is this; we place our mobile phone on tables, chairs, etc. They pickup all sorts of germs and if the virus is there it will pick it up to. I personally use a waterproof casing. With this casing on I have no qualms of applying sanitizer on and even washing my mobile phone. If you do not have a waterproof casing on; just sanitize with a cloth and sanitizer.
Don’t Touch
Do not touch your face. When you are walking about; do not touch anything. Well, this is easier said than done. Sometimes we have got no choice but to touch something or some surface. Try to limit touching. And when you’ve touched something; sanitize.
Wash Your Clothes
The instant you arrive back at your hotel room, remove your clothes and drown them in hot water. Use the kettle that is in your room. If your room does not come with a kettle; place your clothes in a plastic bag, seal the bag, and put it away. Your other option is to spray your clothes with spray type sanitizing spray.
Crowd Equals Run
Should you see a crowd at a certain attraction; walk away. Do not go into crowds if you do not have to. If you have got no choice; sanitize, and ensure the best you can to social distance. If you see anyone not wearing a mask, tell them to put on a mask. If you are not vocal enough or do not feel comfortable enough to do so, just walk away.
Social Distance
Always practise social distancing of at least 1.5 to 2 metres. How effective this really is will depend on the conditions of the place you are at. With wind, this will most likely not be of much help. Without wind, yes. Anyway, this is recommended by the Health Ministry and we must do it.
Book Your Trips On Weekdays (Working Days)
Weekdays are the best times (safest too) should you need to break free from the city. There usually will not be a crowd, hotels will be cheaper, and your trip will be more relaxed. However, if you are planning for a trip in a city, best to do so on weekends. This is because cities are usually where people go to work at. People who travel for business, travel to the city.
Stay Away From Red Zones
Stay away from red zones. It will certainly be safer for you to travel to green zones where the numbers of infections are low to none. If you live within a red zone it is best that you not travel out of your area until your zone is back in the green.
Stay Healthy
Take your vitamins and stay healthy. We should ideally do so even without a pandemic. But again different people have got different mindsets and priorities. But in times like these, do your best to stay healthy. Build up your immune system (defences).
Scan To Register Your Visit
Always do scan to register your visit. This allows the authorities to track you down and it is for good reason. If you have been to a place where someone has been tested positive, you will want to know if you are a carrier of the virus or if you are not. You want to be notified too that you are at risk and you will then want to get yourself tested. This is not just for the sake of your community but also for the benefit of your family and you.
Above are some of the things you can do to reduce your risk of catching the virus. Take note that this only reduces the risk. It does not eliminate the risk. So if you must travel for whatever reasons do keep in mind that there is always a possibility of catching the virus despite your best efforts. Travel safe and travel smart.
