5 Tips On How To Travel Safely In The New Normal

Even in the new normal, essential travel is inevitable. In this article, Tatler lists five easy tips to follow to lessen your risk of contracting COVID-19.

The world's battle with COVID-19 is not yet over; in fact, the World Health Organisation (WHO) is monitoring 11 more variants of the disease, one of them being the stronger and more contagious Delta strain.

No matter how much we want to curl up in our blankets and stay at home, there are activities that can only be done outside. Some people travel for work-related trips, a stroll at the nearby park, or essential errands like grocery shopping. In this article, Tatler lists a few easy tips to consider when travelling.

1. Lessen public transportation

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According to a New York Times report, one long bus ride could be a superspreader event. Studies have proven that the virus is airborne and can easily be transmitted through small particles that linger in small spaces. Dr Muge Cevik, an expert on infectious diseases and virology at the University of St. Andrews School of Medicine in Scotland, said that a bus outbreak can take place because of the following factors: a long trip, a confined environment with individuals who contracted the disease. If you have the option to take private transportation, it's best to do so. Should you be limited to taking public transport, simply follow WHO-approved guidelines for health safety like keeping a one-metre distance away from each other and constant hand and surface sanitation.

2. If possible, use well-ventilated public restrooms

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Not every public restroom is properly disinfected. According to Joyce Sanchez, an infectious disease specialist and medical director of the Travel Health Clinic at Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin, travellers should always opt for a single-stall and well-ventilated comfort room. She explained that by doing so, you can keep your distance from others.

3. Bring hand sanitisers or disinfectant sprays

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Going outside means you are going to touch surfaces that are infested with bacteria. Getting yourself a small hand sanitiser or a pocket-sized disinfectant spray will help you stay clean. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using a hand sanitiser that contains at least 60 per cent alcohol.

"Anything less than that may not work as well for many types of germs and could merely reduce the growth of germs rather than kill them outright,” the group said.

4. Bring extra masks

Above Photo: Chastity Cortijo on Unsplash

To suppress the transmission of COVID-19, people are advised to wear masks in outdoor spaces. If you're using disposable masks, experts say that you should change them once in a while. “Ideally you would change your mask each time you use it. Doctors switch between each use, and each patient gets a new mask," CNN contributor and Cure Urgent Care Founder and Clinical Director said.

Meanwhile, the medical expert advised users of cloth masks to wash the materials on a daily basis. “Most people are using other types of masks that aren’t disposable.” He said, in that case, “try to sanitise it every time you use it.

5. Re-schedule

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There are particular dates when the influx of people in public areas are unmanageable; these include holidays, weekends, and Friday nights. If your plans drop out on any of these dates, try setting a new schedule. According to WHO, the risks of getting COVID-19 are higher in crowded spaces where infected people spend long periods of time in close proximity.

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Covid-19 Safety Tips