Coronavirus: Tips to consider if you must travel

The global spread of the coronavirus is a health emergency that has affected travels from one county to another with travelers cancelling booked trips, to countries closing their borders, lifting visa exemptions for people traveling from China, Italy, Iran or South Korea among other affected countries.

Nigerian government placed a travel ban on countries affected with the virus starting from March 21.

Many US states and regions are closing schools in the midst of the outbreak.

The Chinese government has set city lock downs, travel restrictions, extending school breaks and closing down public venues.

Japan has also closed all schools until late March and Italy shutting down schools and universities with the government banning gatherings to curb the spread of the virus.

Health officials have warned individuals to minimize contact with countries that are already affected or hit hard by the virus, urging people to stay at home and maintaining proper hygiene.

However, if you do decide to travel, be sure to take steps to help prevent getting and spreading coronavirus and other respiratory diseases during travel.

Here are tips to consider if you must travel

RESEARCH

Ensure you are aware of the status of the virus in the country or region you are traveling to before you embark on the journey. See what the health and government officials are advising in that country and follow the same rules. If they advise staying away from crowds or a certain region, then you should do the same.

ON-BOARD

Even though many flights have been grounded due to the outbreak, some are still operating on a daily basis.people still need to fly for work, school or personal reasons. however, when on board, you are expected to practice good hygiene to avoid getting sick. If it’s a short distance trip, consider not eating. because you often put your hands in your mouth. If you’re seated next to a person actively coughing, ask to be relocated and under all circumstances, stop touching your face, mouth and nose with unwashed hands.

LODGING

If you travel abroad and want to lodge in a hotel or hostel, ensure the environment is habitable. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs/handles, bedside tables, bedframes and other bedroom furniture daily with regular household disinfectant or soap. If its possible, carry your towel, body lotion and other toiletries along.

HANDSHAKE AND HUGS

If your travel is a business related travel, you might not necessarily shake hand to hand, as there are other alternatives to shaking. the elbow to elbow, hip bum to hip bum, a wave, a bow the foot bump, putting the hands inside the pocket or a smile are other means of shaking in the phase of this global epidemic.

EATING HABIT

When away from your comfort zone, be mindful of what you eat and ensure that all food consumed are well cooked and prepared in a hygienic environment. Wash fruits with clean water before eating. Don’t consume food from road side sellers as hygiene is very important.

HAND SANITIZERS AND SOAP

Proper hand washing with clean water and soap is one of the best ways to protect oneself from diseases. And in instances where there is no water, an alcohol based hand sanitizer also helps keep the hands free from germs. A hand sanitizer and soap should always come in handy.

SOCIAL DISTANCING

This is a set of non-pharmaceutical infection control actions intended to stop or slow down the spread of a contagious disease. This seeks to reduce the probability of contact between persons carrying an infection, and others who are not infected, so as to minimize disease transmission, morbidity and untimely mortality.