How to Travel Safely During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The coronavirus outbreak hit the United States on January 21st, 2020, with the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) confirming the first case. Since then, the number of people infected has risen dramatically, with over 17.5 million confirmed cases, and 314,000 deaths in the country.

While restrictions have been in place regarding where you can travel, the festive season is now upon us, meaning millions of people will be traveling from A to B to spend time with loved ones. Whether you’re heading a short distance, or to another state, here are some of the ways to travel safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Maintain Social Distancing

No matter where you live in the United States, you should be fully aware of the social distancing guidelines laid out by the government. Keeping your distance from others in crowded areas is critical for reducing the risk of catching and transmitting the coronavirus. When traveling, you may need to use an airport, take the subway, or get a cab to get from A to B. Many establishments have precautionary measures in place, such as hand sanitizer at doorways and sneeze guards from Sneeze GuardEZ at checkouts, to keep the public safe.

Wash Your Hands Regularly

When on your travels, you may not always have access to a public restroom. If you don’t know whether you’ll be able to wash your hands with soap and water while traveling, carrying a small travel-sized bottle of hand sanitizer with you is a good alternative. Busy environments like airports harbor tons of bacteria and germs, and the same is true for pretty much all public transportation. Don’t take the risk – keep yourself as germ free as possible.

Wear a Face Covering

In addition to social distancing and washing your hands, you must wear a face covering that fits over your nose and mouth when traveling. Before entering an airport or subway station, make sure your face covering is intact. The primary purpose of a face covering is to protect others and decrease the spread of COVID-19.

Know the Signs

You need to be aware of the symptoms of COVID-19 before you head on your travels. The most common signs of the virus are a high temperature and cough. If you experience either of these before going on your journey, you must reassess and get tested. If you fail to do so, you could be putting other people’s lives at risk. You should never take this chance.

Know When to Travel

The time and day you travel can make a huge difference in terms of how many people you come into close contact with. For example, you should avoid traveling at rush hour and especially on Christmas Eve. Don’t fall into the trap of leaving things until the last minute, as you may find yourself at a higher risk of contracting the virus.

Whether you need to travel for business purposes, or to see loved ones over the holidays, make sure you follow the guide above which will significantly reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 and passing the virus on to others.