Air travel has for the longest time provided vital connectivity on a regional, national, and international scale. The assured reliability and convenience of the mode has promoted the widening of the business scope to diverse geographical locations, hence ranking as one of the enablers of economic growth.
Since the global declaration of the Covid-19 pandemic, business in the aviation industry over the past year has been hit hard as major carriers saw passenger numbers and revenue plummet. With the extensive crisis, staying indoors became a new normal following most governments’ enforcement of travel restrictions. For a while, globetrotting and vacation travel have been out of the cards since people were worried about their safety.
The general lack of preparedness measures for such a pandemic, not only in the aviation sector but globally, caused a standstill in the economy for a while before recovery plans were put in place.
While the battle against the pandemic is still on and the economy is slowly struggling to regain stability, exercising individual caution has been encouraged. Safety is a priority; hence updates on COVID-19 Travel Information are available to enable you to plan your travel appropriately without compromising your safety.
With scientists and medics working tirelessly, there have been several tested and approved vaccines that are in the process of being administered to citizens of the various governments. Vaccination, coupled with other preventative measures and advanced personal responsibility, has enabled a global spring-back to the flow of activities like it was pre-pandemic.
Safe travel amidst the coronavirus outbreak involves several elements of your trip, from planning to the actual journey and your selected destination.
Most airlines have been adjusting their measures due to this strain; hence it is vital to select one that assures your safety.
In most cases, passengers are subjected to compulsory health declarations during check-ins which involve answering health screening questions. Printing such forms before getting to the airport saves you time in completing the process.
It is wise to choose an airline that follows social distancing procedures, masking, handwashing, and sanitization. Airplanes with excellent air circulation and HEPA filters assure a lower risk of spreading the virus from infected people.
You should especially be careful during check-ins, boarding, security checks, and retrieving baggage where there are many people as it puts you at a higher risk.
When booking accommodation in your destination, a room with natural airflow and lighting would be ideal. Choose hygienic places with good air conditioning and filtration systems.
It is crucial to get an update on the restrictions put in place in your destination country before traveling.
Some of the other measures that can help in ensuring your safety during travel include:
-Double masking is a great way to take precautions but generally, wearing a face shield is essential. Such guards help in preventing any respiratory droplets from the other passengers from reaching your eyes.
Masks and shields only lower risk; hence should be used while observing all other measures, including social distancing.
-Wipe down the seat or any surfaces, whether it’s on the plane or while at the airport. Surface transmissions aren’t essentially common, but it is good practice.
-Watch what you eat and avoid having your snacks or foods in crowded stations. In case there is a crowd in your surroundings, it is safer to avoid eating at that moment altogether.
-Check-in online to avoid making physical contacts. You can fill all border customs online to avoid touchpoints. Carry your pen if you have to fill any document to prevent sharing with strangers.
-Assess the safety of activities that you choose upon arrival at your destination. Avoid activities that keep you in direct contact with people, such as swimming or massages.
-Engaging in outdoor activities where there is sufficient air circulation is helpful. Always wear your mask as you maneuver the destination towns.
-Get vaccinated. It promotes the building of immunity to build thus helping to mitigate the risk of getting infected.
Covid-19 is preventable. Adhering to safety measures at all times, both during your workday and while you rest, will help curb viral exposure. Better adaptation to the new ways of living in the pandemic era is a steady foundation towards economic recovery.