Are you looking forward to traveling? Before you buy a ticket, take note of the following travel safety tips for the COVID-19 pandemic. These measures can help keep you safe as you enjoy your trip.
How does COVID-19 spread outdoors?
Before we discuss the travel safety tips for COVID-19, let’s answer this question: does COVID-19 spread differently outdoors and indoors?
Safety from COVID-19 doesn’t simply depend on whether you’re inside or outside, since a lot of factors come into play. Some of these factors include:
- Ventilation or how the air circulates in the area
- The number of people you come into contact with
- The duration of your interaction with other people
- The activity in the area
Because of these factors, medical experts reiterate that there are times when you’re safer outdoors than indoors. For instance, sightseeing in a fairly isolated place with few people is less risky than being in a poorly ventilated room with a group of singing or chattering patrons.
Now, you might be asking: if that’s the case, then why does our government discourage us from going out? The primary reason is that going outdoors increases the chances of exposure to more people. This, in turn, raises the risk of contracting COVID-19.
However, being cooped up at home for months on end can take a toll on our mental health. So, it’s not surprising if you’ve been thinking about going out to unwind–especially now that many establishments and travel destinations are opening their doors.
What are some travel safety tips for COVID-19?
Please remember that crowded places without adequate ventilation increases the possibility of airborne transmission. If you are traveling with an individual who is at higher risk for severe COVID-19, talk to your healthcare provider first before planning the trip.
In case you decide to travel, keep the following safety tips in mind:
Choose your destination and activity wisely
As much as possible, choose a destination that has no crowds and low-risk outdoor activities that at most require limited contact with other people. Examples include:
- Hiking in the mountain
- Fishing
- Cycling
- Kayaking or boating
Another important thing to remember is to do one activity or visit one destination at a time. That way, you are less likely to commute and come into close proximity with other people.
Check travel guidelines for out-of-town trips
If your travel destination is outside your municipality, search online for the area’s travel guidelines. Some of the things you need to research are:
The COVID-19 cases in the area. If there are a lot of active cases, it might be a good idea to choose another destination.
Their community quarantine guidelines. Is it under GCQ or MGCQ? This is important because it will tell you about their travel and activity restrictions.
Area-specific requirements. Some areas in the country require visitors to have a negative COVID-19 test before entering.
Enforced quarantine. Some areas require visitors to observe a 14-day self-quarantine upon arrival.
If you need to go on a trip abroad, you must also review your destination country’s visitor/tourist guidelines.
Coronavirus on Public Transportation – Guidelines to Follow
