How to travel safely during COVID-19 crisis
Even as the coronavirus cases continue to surge, some of the restrictions regarding the lockdown have been relaxed. As of yesterday (May 25), domestic air travel was restarted, and travellers were asked to follow the stringent of precautions and using face masks/face shields were made mandatory.
02/8Practicing social distancing is a must
There’s no denying that coronavirus will probably leave a mark on the way we live and travel. Some of the measures being adopted to prevent the spread of COVID-19 while flying is to practice social distancing on flights by leaving the middle seat vacant, air hostesses and other attendants wearing PPE masks and suits to avoid infection. In-flight meals have been discontinued and sanitizers have been made a must as well.
03/8Is travelling safe right now?
With the pandemic grappling the world in danger, it has put many plans in jeopardy. From vacations to other trips, travelling has been largely ruled out. There is also always the risk of falling sick, considering flights are considered one of the germiest places.
Right now, travelling has been restricted or suggested for only those who find it really essential. When you think of an aeroplane, the risk does run high- it’s a closed environment where it can be fairly easy for any germ, or coronavirus to breed. Considering the breach of the current outbreak, coronavirus infection cases started to multiply with travelling cases, which can make anyone worry.
04/8Can COVID-19 spread on a flight?
Flying can definitely feel risky in the times of coronavirus. Now we know that COVID-19 is a respiratory infection, which spreads when infected droplets deposit or spread onto surfaces you come in contact with. Depending on the type of surface it deposits, the infection risk can linger for long-from mere hours to weeks time.
05/8Flights can be a breeding house of germs
Flights, in particular, can have a lot of these surfaces where respiratory droplets from a sick person can deposit. From food, lavatory, headrest or the table you have. It can be a breeding house of infections. In fact, a recent study also made the scary revelation that the back pocket of a seat in one of the germiest places on any aircraft.
While quarantine and measures to safeguard yourself can reduce the risk of transmission, they don’t actually eliminate the risk entirely. That is one of the reasons why people have been asked to practice self-quarantine once they get off.
06/8What about ventilation?
There is a misconception that the air present inside the plane is “recirculated”, which makes it easier to fall sick. That is not entirely true. Modern-day travelling makes use of HEPA filtering which makes the air you breathe in the flights easier and more comforting. Hence, it’s not the air you breathe in but more of the surfaces you touch or come in contact it which pose more risk. The same extends to an airport.
07/8What are the precautions you can take?
Even though travelling may not be the best measure right now and if you really cannot avoid taking a flight, here are some of the precautionary measures you should be taking:
-Sanitize and clean your baggage, which can be easy contact surface for any virus to collect on.
-Using a sanitizer is an absolute must. Even though airlines do a deep-clean and are following the strongest sanitization, keep a good quality sanitizer on you at all times. From the seats to the headrests, trust on your own disinfecting wipes or solution.
-Avoid touching frequently touched surfaces like doors, knobs, tray tables.
-Flyers have been asked to avoid using lavatories and washrooms unless neccessary.
-Do not touch your face or your hands and distance yourself from patients who might be coughing.
-Do not remove your mask at any time, unless unavoidable.
-If you have the option, consider choosing a window seat. Studies have shown that passengers sitting on the window seat have the least likelihood of catching any infections
-Practising social distancing is a must.
-Wash your hands frequently and once you deboard, follow neccessary disinfecting protocols as well.
08/8Who should avoid travelling?
-Pregnant women, young children and elderlies, or those belonging to the high-risk category have been advised to avoid travelling.
-If you are sick, or present symptoms, or stay in a containment zone, travelling can make matters worse for you and your co-fliers.