COVID-19(Coronavirus) Travelers Guide: Safe Travel Tips

When can we be able to start traveling?

This question has been one of the top confusing questions among travelers in the world based on Coronavirus outbreak and Isolation. However, it is of good news that some of the countries affected are slowly curbing the wings of the Coronavirus Outbreak and have started opening for summer vacations.

Things to consider before you travel

During the pack for vacation, visit, tour, or travel to another country or city, make sure you have your survival kit ready. What should be in your survival kit? They include Neosporin, Bundaids, Ibuprofen, Earplugs, Face masks, Sleep aid, Headphones, Prescription medication, Hand Sanitizer, comfortable charger and lots more.
Buy travel This is necessary especially if you are travelling outside of your home country.
Make adequate research about the statistics of Coronavirus effect on the city you are traveling to and be prepared to adhere strictly to the restrictions and requirements of the city to control the spread of the virus.
As a traveler, you have to be sure of your Coronavirus state (positive or negative) which means before traveling, go to your local health authorities and get yourself tested. Moreover, some countries require proof of the virus test.
Design your itinerary. A proper design of your itinerary will make you have focused destinations which means when you won’t just leave your hotel or private accommodation for no reason.
Finally, maintain social distancing at all costs when in the public and make sure you observe personal hygiene always.

What should I do if I contact a COVID – 19 case or unwell while abroad?

Well, this answer depends on the degree of contact you have with that person. Coronavirus spreads mainly through droplets when the person talks, coughs and sneezes making it a bigger risk of contracting the virus. Furthermore, it depends on the significant amount of time spent with someone who has COVID – 19. For example; if you are shopping in the same shop/store as someone who might have the virus, you are not at risk of contracting unless you have close contact with the person, or the person sneezes or coughs directly on you.

Once you have this close contact or direct exposure with someone who has COVID – 19, it is the best option to self – quarantine yourself for 14 days. This includes staying home and limiting interaction with others even if you are not yet seeing the symptoms. Note that it has been confirmed that the virus can be spread even if the infected patients aren’t showing any symptoms yet. So self – quarantining is critical to help prevent the spread and to discover if truly you have the virus or not.

During quarantine, if you start developing symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, fever, sneezing, shortness of breath and others, you should contact your local healthcare provider or government authority built in your region for controlling the virus.

COVID-19(Coronavirus): General Travel Advice

First, you have to make an inquiry and get up – to – date the latest official advice offered by the country you are leaving or traveling to.
If you’re a traveler from the United Kingdom, check your destination and see the risk level of coronavirus in the country.
Browse through the various up – to – date travel health recommendations on the country you’re heading to.
Before embarking, contact your airline, tour operator and accommodation providers for adequate information on your itinerary and travel plans to avoid disappointment of not being able to fulfil your mission in the country you’re travelling to.
Check the entry procedure of the country you’re visiting, as many countries have enhanced screening/monitoring at entry and exit ports, some even may require you to self – isolate for a set period, even if you don’t have the symptoms.
It is of cautious value for sick travelers, people with underlying chronic diseases and health conditions, and elderly travelers to avoid travelling to affected areas.
One of the most important recommendations for travelers is Social Distancing which is keeping a distance of at least one meter from persons showing symptoms.
Performing hand hygiene frequently. This includes either cleaning hands with soap and water or with alcohol – based hand rub. Note that alcohol – based hand rubs are preferred if hands are not visibly soiled. Visibly – soiled hands should be washed with soap and water.
Cover your nose and mouth with a flexed elbow or paper tissue when coughing or sneezing. Dispose paper tissue off immediately after using and performing hand hygiene.
Desist from touching mouth and nose.
Using a medical nose mask is not really required if the traveler is not exhibiting symptoms, as there is no evidence that wearing (of any type) prevents non – sick persons. Nevertheless, in some cultures, masks may be commonly worn, and if they are worn, they should be properly worn, removed and disposed of immediately after use including proper hand hygiene after removal.
Every traveler returning from affected areas should self – monitor for symptoms for 14 days and adhere to national protocols of receiving countries (e.g. some countries may require returning travelers to enter quarantine).
If symptoms like cough, fever, difficult breathing, and other symptoms as stated by the WHO. Check more from the World Health Organization here - https://www.who.int/news-room/articles-detail/updated-who-recommendations-for-international-traffic-in-relation-to-covid-19-outbreak
To crown it all, it is of medical facts that Asian and Black ethnic minorities are 2 or 3 times more likely vulnerable to COVID – 19 compared to the general population which means traveling around affected areas as an Asian or one of the Black ethnic minorities, you must learn how to protect yourself well from COVID – 19. Here are some for everybody:

For more Information on how to protect yourself as a Traveler during this Coronavirus pandemic period, check through these sites.

All these guidelines and information should be digested understandably, and these are what make you a SAFE TRAVELER.

Things to consider after you travel

After traveling, it is advisable to try out these things

Look back into your itinerary and see if you have contact with a coronavirus patient. If YES, quarantine yourself immediately. If NO, you are free to continue having interactions with friends and family.
Immediately you are back from a country where the virus is rampant, you can go to your local health center or government health authority to get yourself tested for the virus, it is always good to discover earlier to ensure quick recovery.
Are you on business trips and you are just coming back, you are advised to stay quarantined, practice social distancing, work from home, don’t go to work after the 14 days, and minimize contact with those living with you.
Adhere to your local authority on every advice and instructions given to travelers coming back into the country.
Once confirmed that you’re free from the virus, you should continue following the general guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus. Check them out here. GENERAL CORONAVIRUS TRAVELERS’ GUIDE – SAFE TRAVEL TIPS

Safe Travel Kit