There is a whole new normal to how we do things now. From the heat of the covid 19 pandemic and the consequent lockdown to the present day when borders are beginning to reopen, there is a modified approach to how we meet, interact with others, and even travel. Many countries are falling back into the second phase of the spread of the Covid-19 virus. With the summer coming along on the heels of the extended indoor stay in most parts of the world in recent months, many are looking forward to their next trip for a meeting or a vacation. Here are some of the tips that can guide you as you make that journey:
Get vaccinated first
Fortunately, pharmaceutical companies have doled out vaccines in recent months that can help offer protection against the covid 19 virus to a large degree. Companies like Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Moderna have different vaccines offering protection with an efficacy rate ranging from 60-95%. Fortunately, many governments around the world have instituted a vaccination program cutting across different age groups and communities. So before you consider taking on that trip, first find the appropriate local authority near you and know how you can be vaccinated. Most of the vaccines require two shots with weeks in between. In cases where two shots are required (as against one), ensure to have taken both for full vaccination before you travel.
Be aware of the Covid-19 challenges in your community and your destination
Remember that having a full course of the vaccines does not guarantee that you will not get infected. Rather, it only ensures that even if you get infected, you will not come down with serious symptoms. Secondly, the covid 19 virus appears to have many variants and although being vaccinated, you may still find that you are perhaps not covered for other variants in a different country. So you might want to know what the current situation is in your country as well as your travel destination.
Consider the health status and risk of your host
Vaccination only protects you. And traveling a long distance puts you in a position where you could be a source of infection to your host through multiple contacts. Before you make that trip to visit someone from a different part of the world, here are things you may want to find out first from them :
- Are they advanced in age? As older people are more susceptible to serious infections.
- Do they have a compromising medical condition? People with medical conditions that cause immune suppression are at serious risk of coming down with severe complications when exposed to the coronavirus.
- Is your host vaccinated? If your host is not vaccinated, then you may be putting them at risk of contracting the virus.
Test around trips
Port Immigrations now make provisions for on-site Covid-19 testing before boarding. Do well to make use of such provisions to know if you have contracted the virus around your trip. If you have then make considerations of the host and ask yourself the above questions again.
What are the best means of transport?
Another important factor to consider is the best means of travel. If the journey is not so far, it is better to drive with those you know and live with rather than take a bus. Taking a bus exposes you to multiple contact points, poor ventilation system and close human contact. For farther journeys like visiting other countries, airlines have a better ventilation system, wider spaces and they currently insist on the use of face masks while on the plane. You can also come with other personal gears like alcoholic wipes and hand sanitizers.
After your arrival
While at the destination of your trip, here are further guidelines you can follow:
Contactless payment
Choose the options of cashless mechanisms and contactless payments. Payment with cards and smartphone Apps and NFCs can help limit your contacts at the airports and at shopping stores.
Meet in safe places
When you have to meet with people, do so in places that are safe and keep to instituted guidelines. One of the safest places to meet now are in restaurants. Restaurants make available testing facilities with prompt results. Therefore, you can be certain that every other person in the restaurant with you has tested negative for the virus.
Carry masks and sanitizers
Always carry along a face mask and alcoholic wipes and sanitizers. The wipes can be used for surfaces that you suspect are contact spots for many people. Places like tap knobs and door handle.
Keeping these guides in mind, you can go about planning that summer trip. Let your safety alone not be the priority but that of those you love as well as you make your plans. Stay safe!