How Do I Travel Safely During the COVID-19 Outbreak?
The COVID-19 outbreak has had a substantial impact on many people’s travel plans. While vacations can be rescheduled for a safer time, not everyone has the opportunity to shelter-in-place right now. If you need to travel during COVID-19, it’s important to travel safely and take extra precautions.
But how do you travel safely during a pandemic? Your best options are to maintain social distance and always wear a mask during your travels. Here are some other travel tips that can help you travel during the coronavirus outbreak.
If Possible, Travel Safely By Car
Air travel is a risk worth avoiding, if possible. Many airlines are having a difficult time ensuring passengers keep their masks on for the duration of the flight. While the CDC declares that it’s unlikely you’ll get sick on a plane, you have a high risk of being exposed to the virus in the airport.
If you must travel, a road trip may be in your best interest to stay safe. While the trip may take longer, driving in your own car can limit your exposure to others who may have COVID-19. Follow a road trip checklist and make sure to plan ahead to limit stops.
Before you start driving, pack a cooler full of drinks and food supplies to prepare snacks to limit meal stops. If you need to order food, order through a drive-thru and pick up enough food to last multiple meals. Make sure to pack hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes to use at rest areas for bathroom breaks.
Try to have multiple drivers in the car to drive at different times instead of staying at a hotel. If you must stay overnight somewhere, opt for stand-alone vacation or home rentals to ensure safe travel.
Limit Time in Close Quarters
Essential workers may need to travel for work. Depending on your commute, it may be challenging to avoid trains and buses to get to work. Try to maintain social distancing by waiting for an emptier train or bus.
If you must take public transit any distance, traveling outside peak transit hours can help. Avoiding transit traffic may ultimately save your life. There have already been many wrongful death lawsuits filed against employers during COVID-19, and unnecessary travel is often one of the elements of the case.
For employees still working from home, it may be tempting to maintain your holiday travel plans. Rather than flying or taking a train, consider renting a car. Many car rental companies have updating sanitizing standards to protect against the virus.
The Safest Option is to Stay Home
As more people choose to travel, maintaining social distancing will only get more difficult. If you’re starting to feel sick, staying home is the best way to keep everyone safe and slow the spread of COVID-19.
It’s possible to travel safely during COVID-19. However, if travel can be delayed, that may be the safest way to stay healthy. Continue to wear a mask, maintain social distancing, and only attend small get together to reduce your risk of contracting coronavirus.
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Samantha Gaines wrote this article on behalf of FreeUp. FreeUp is the fastest-growing freelance marketplace in the US. FreeUp only accepts the top 1% of freelance applicants. Click here to get access to the top freelancers in the world.
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