By Julius Choudhury
The current COVID-19 global healthcare crisis has changed the way that we are all living our lives. In just a few short months, everyone on the planet has been affected to some degree by the restrictions that are in place to protect us from the spread of the virus.
But if you need to get somewhere across the country or even overseas, is this even possible at the moment? If you can go, what should you know about the situation?
While you may wonder What Makes Truck Driving an Essential Service? Why certain types of transport will operate, while others won’t.
The coronavirus crisis is a complex, ongoing, ever-changing situation.
In this article, we’ll discuss travelling in the time of COVID-19 and everything that you need to know.
What You Need To Consider Before Travelling During COVID-19
As lockdown measures ease, it may be possible to start moving around more. Before you make any long journies, consider the following:
- What are the risks of catching the virus when you are away?
- What are the risks of you currently having the virus before you go?
- What would happen if you did get sick while you were away?
- What would happen if quarantine measures had to reopen leaving you stuck where you are visiting?
- What will happen if your travel tickets or accommodation had to cancel because of the second peak of the virus in the area?
Currently, many countries have flights on hold. There may be limited options available for travelling across bigger distances. And, where there are options, you may not be allowed through borders unless you are re-entering your home country.
There may be requirements that you enter quarantine immediately after arriving back home. Think about whether you are going to be able to manage to stay in quarantine for 14 days until you are deemed as being clear of the virus.
Are There Alternative Options?
Even after lockdown has been lifted, there is still a risk that a country could re-enter lockdown if their rate of infection started to rise sharply. While this is still a risk, before making any travel arrangements, decide whether the journey is necessary. Can you postpone it? If it is for a meeting, can you use video calls instead?
What Measures Should You Take If You Have To Travel?
Assuming you are able to travel overseas, and that fights have resumed and borders reopened; be sure that you adhere to social distancing measures at all times.
Consult with the current guidelines, but it will be worth investing in hand sanitizer before travelling.
Remember to keep a distance of 2-meters, wash your hands regularly, and stay alert to avoid being too close to large groups of people.
Read the advice of any travel company before departing. When travelling, make sure that you follow the guidelines set out by the airline, rail network., bus, or shipping company. Remember that it is not just you that you’re protecting with your actions.
