With vaccination drives underway across India, it is safe to travel now? Even if you have been fully immunized, can you plan a trip this summer and be mentally relaxed in a pandemic-ridden world? Let us take a look at some of the essential precautions you are advised to take for covid if you are planning to travel in the pandemic irrespective of whether you have been immunized or not –
Traveling In 2021 – To Go Or Not To Go?
With more and more people getting vaccinated and COVID -19 cases in most regions across the nation (with the exception of a few) dropping, travel seems safer in 2021 than last year.
Note, that you need to be aware of the CDC guidelines when it comes to traveling within the country and abroad.
Though some nations still have their doors closed to India for the time being, if you are planning a trip to any nation or place in the coming months, keep the following health tips in mind- they apply to both those fully immunized and those who are not-
1. Know the COVID-19 case rates in your region
Even if you have received the COVID-19 vaccination fully, you need to assess the current number of cases in your region. If the numbers are high, you still are at the risk of contracting the coronavirus, although the “present” breakthrough infections are said to be rare and milder than 2020- prevention is always better than a cure.
If you are traveling by train, bus or plane in a place where the levels of COVID-19 cases are high, chances are the person next to you or a group of travelers near you could be having the virus. This becomes all the more worrisome if the people you are traveling with are not fully vaccinated.
2. Assess the COVID-19 rates of the destination you are going to
You need to check the COVID-19 rates of the destination you are traveling to. In case, the cases there are high, there is an increased chance of you falling ill even if you have been fully vaccinated.
Check credible public health government resources online to assess the above rates. The same also should be done for any trip you are making outside India as well.
3. Consider your health as well as your host’s health and vaccination status
An important question to ask yourself here is how risky it is for you to travel now? Remember, when it comes to the COVID-19 Pandemic, all the aspects of your trip needs to be analyzed from an individual perspective. You need to see everything carefully through your own lens.
For instance, ask yourself whether you have been fully vaccinated or not? If you are not vaccinated, you fall under the “high-risk” category and this could lead to grave consequences.
The next thing you should do is consider whether you are traveling alone or in a group? Are the people you are traveling with or even visiting fully vaccinated?
There is also a possibility of some of them having a compromised immune system that is compromised and vulnerable to the coronavirus infection after the full vaccination.
In all of the above cases, going to a crowded region or flying on a plane with several other vacationers is a risky affair. However, driving to a vacation spot that is isolated and not so crowded remains safer.
4. Consider taking negative COVID-19 around the time of your travel
In case you are traveling with those who are not fully vaccinated, , consider taking a negative COVID test around the time of your trip. This will alleviate tensions and reduce the odds of bringing the coronavirus to the destination you are traveling to.
However, there are some international travel destinations that have made it mandatory for you to take these negative COVID -19 tests before you arrive and vice versa when you go back to your home country.
5. Decide wisely on the mode of travel
In case you have not been vaccinated, experts in healthcare recommend driving to the destination instead of flying or traveling in buses or trains. This is feasible and safe especially if you can reach the place in a day or two.
Flying is safe as well and till now, airlines require all passengers to wear face masks on- board. In case, you are not vaccinated, make sure you remain seated most of the time and keep your face mask on especially when the other passengers remove their masks to drink or eat their meals.
Traveling by bus needs extra caution especially if you are not fully vaccinated or have not received the jab at all. Ventilation systems in Indian buses are not as good as planes. (These systems are an important way for the microbes to be removed from the place)
If you are fully vaccinated, feel confident to take any mode of transportation to your destination. Even if you sit next to an unvaccinated person, do not worry or create a fuss – you are fully immunized and out of the danger zone.
6. Keep your hotel room clean but do not be “too” obsessed
Make sure you keep your hotel room as clean as possible by following all the CDC and WHO guidelines on hygiene. For instance, you should continue using good-quality anti-bacterial wipes for disinfecting doorknobs, light switches, TV remote, doorknobs and other objects that are touched regularly.
Carry sanitizers and surface disinfectants with you all the time. Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds. Maintain social distancing and wear a face mask when venturing outside.
Though the risks of contracting COVID-19 from surfaces are actually minimal, being clean basically keeps you free from germs and the Norovirus.
If you are staying in a room with a person who has not been vaccinated, extra precautions need to be taken. For instance, you should open the windows of the room for ventilation. There are viral particles known as aerosols that often linger in the air.
They can transmit COVID-19 so it is crucial for you to open the windows when you first arrive in the room or after the housekeeping staff has been inside for room service.
Therefore, from the above, it is evident that traveling during summers is possible if you keep the above six essential health tips in mind. However, try to get yourself fully vaccinated before vacationing. Travel safely and maintain social distancing as much as you can.
Bon voyage!
