It is evident that the pandemic has had a lot of social, economic, and political impacts. Some of the changes that have taken place during the pandemic include:
- Working from home
- Closure of businesses such as hotels, malls, and recreational centers
- Staying at home has become the new normal
- Public gatherings such as weddings, campaigns, and concerts have been put on a halt
Perhaps, most significantly, the traveling sector has had major changes taking place. And if international and domestic travel is to resume, countries should ensure they take the needed measurements.
For now, traveling should only be given priority to emergency traveling such as medical emergency, emergency healthcare supporters, diplomatic officers, and transportation of medicine and food.
Fortunately, all hope is not lost. If you are fully vaccinated, it is possible to travel from one place to another with minimal risks of contracting the virus. Even so, you must ensure you take various measurements when traveling.
Traveling When Vaccinated
Individuals who are fully vaccinated can travel, but they should ensure they take these measurements.
When Travelling
- Fully vaccinated people must wear a mask at all times when traveling by plane, bus, ship, or train. Note that the mask should cover the mouth and nose entirely. If not, a face shield is also recommended.
- Fully vaccinated people must keep social distance at all times when in public places. You should be at least 6ft apart from the next person. This can be in airline queues, hotels, or any other public place.
- Don’t forget to carry a sanitizer. Ensure you disinfect your hands whenever you touch various surfaces. If not, ensure you wash your hands thoroughly.
After Travelling
Once you arrive at your destination, there are various requirements you need to uphold. Such include:
- Self-isolate to check for any symptoms. If present, ensure you inform the local healthcare department of the place you have traveled to for testing.
- Continue to adhere to the rule of maintaining social distance when in public places.
- Don’t forget to wear a mask or face shield and sanitize.
Traveling if Not Vaccinated
If you are not fully vaccinated, you are more likely to contract the virus. This means you should take extra precautions to keep yourself safe. Here are the traveling requirements for those not fully vaccinated.
When Travelling
- Before you can travel, ensure you get tested at least 2-3 days before the day of traveling. Carry your results with you in case you are required to present them.
- Wear a mask or a face shield at all times when traveling through public or private means.
- Avoid public places at all costs and ensure you maintain social distance.
- Sanitize your hands thoroughly or wash them with water and soap.
After Travelling
- Get tested again and ensure you self-quarantine for at least 7 days. In case of any symptoms, contact the right health department within your area. Isolate to protect others from getting the virus.
- If you don’t get tested, extend isolation to at least 10-14 days.
- Stay away from people with severe illnesses.
- Monitor your symptoms continuously.
General Travel Requirements
It would be best to get vaccinated as soon as you can if you plan to travel. It would help if you also researched places with high cases and those with low to know what destination suits you. Also, check with that state or region about their travel restrictions and guidelines.
If you have any questions about protecting yourself and your children while traveling, contact Pediatric Health Care. We are your local pediatric clinic, and we want to ensure you and your child are protected from COVID-19 while traveling. To learn more about what we can do to help, feel free to email us at info@pediatrichealthcarenw.com.
