Follow these precautions while travelling during the pandemic
Follow these precautions while travelling during the pandemic
Whether you are travelling by train, plane, or bus, all modes of transportation are usually a germ factory, even on normal days. However, with novel coronavirus strains rearing their ugly heads everywhere, travelling has become even riskier. But what if you have a medical emergency and need to travel? What if your company requests that you travel to another country for a business meeting? You must protect yourself from this dangerous virus in all such instances. But how do you do it? By taking the right precautions to avoid contracting the virus.
Limit Your Exposure to Sick People
- One can reduce the chances of getting coronavirus by avoiding close contact with patients who have respiratory illnesses. However, this may not be possible while travelling. Flights have standard air filtration systems. But they can't filter out particles smaller than 5000 nanometres, and the COVID-19 virus is about 120 nanometres in size. Which is why, you should wear a mask and limit your exposure to sick people.Practice Healthy Hand Hygiene
Hand washing is the single most significant hack for infection prevention. It is advisable to avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose with unclean or gloved hands. To maintain healthy hand hygiene, you must wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds. You can also use hand sanitisers.Get Yourself Vaccinated
Before moving ahead with your travel plans, it is advisable to get a coronavirus vaccine. Although the vaccine will not protect you from COVID-19 completely, but it will save you from being in a life-threatening situation. Also make sure you go for a vaccine that is approved by the country to which you are travelling.Stay in a Clean and Hygienic Place
Always book a hotel that gives you assurance about good hygiene and sanitation. It is usually a good idea to check with the hotel employees and management to make sure your room is tidy. You can also disinfect or clean frequently touched objects yourself using a disinfectant or cleaning spray. Carry antibacterial wet wipes to clean surfaces if need be.Seek Medical Assistance
You must alert the flight attendants if you have any health or respiratory problems. Medical workers on flights are well-trained and well-equipped to tackle any ailment. If you feel feverish or develop other symptoms of illness, self-isolate and notify the onboard medical team right away.Get travel insurance
In the wake of the pandemic, it is not enough to take the above precautions while travelling. You need to avail travel insurance that covers your medical expenses in case you contract COVID. The right policy can cover your hospitalisation fees, whether you are a student, individual or family. Apart from COVID-related expenses, a travel insurance policy can keep you financially protected against emergency dental treatment, emergency medical evacuation, permanent disablement or even death. It can also take care of lost passport, checked-in baggage delay or loss, theft, extended stay in a hotel due to a medical emergency, and even the distress caused if your flight is hijacked. Basically, with travel insurance that offers COVID coverage, you can prepare for any eventuality.
To Conclude
Though the pandemic had paused global movement for quite some time, a few countries are opening up cautiously, to allow travel for business or pleasure. So, if you intend to travel within India or abroad, follow the safety measures discussed here. Opting for a travel insurance for complete protection against the coronavirus is also a wise move.
Disclaimer- The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.