Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, staying safe and avoiding the virus while traveling has proven to be a challenge. While lockdown restrictions have eased worldwide and it is deemed more acceptable to resume daily activities including traveling, it is still important to travel with common sense and to take precautions that can help protect you and other travelers from contracting the COVID-19 virus. While hsi.com might make it easy for employees to learn about workplace safety, it can be more difficult to learn about subjects such as how to stay safe when traveling amidst a global pandemic due to the seemingly constantly changing nature of the virus and information surrounding it. If you are planning a trip in the near future and want some tips for avoiding COVID-19 and staying safe, keep reading.
- Travel in a Small Group
The fewer members of a travel group, the better when it comes to the risk of contracting COVID-19. Managing large groups of people and their potential behavior that could risk exposure is difficult. Although it might be more fun to travel with a large group of family or friends, now might not be the best time to do so, especially if you are nervous about coming into contact with COVID. Limit your traveling party to 10 people or less.
- Always Wear a Mask
Although mask restrictions have eased around the world, there is no denying that wearing a mask while spending time in public spaces is one of the best and most effective ways to slow the spread of illness, including the COVID-19 virus. Be sure to wear a thick, durable mask at all times while traveling, especially in confined and potentially germ-filled spaces such as an airplane or rideshare vehicle.
- Test Frequently
Before taking a trip, it is a good idea to take a COVID test, as well as to stock up on a few at-home tests to bring with you. It is a good idea to take a home test after spending time in large crowds if you begin to feel under the weather, or just every few days during a long trip in which you are hoping to avoid catching the virus. Also, be sure to take a test upon arriving home from your trip and consider quarantining in your home for a day or two before returning to work or visiting loved ones in order to prevent illness from spreading should you contract the virus while you are away.