How To Stay Safe From The Coronavirus While Travelling

 

By Christy Woodrow 

 

• What is the Novel Coronavirus?

 

Coronaviruses are a branch of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, and even SARS. The strain of Coronavirus that was recently found in Wuhan, China, the Novel Coronavirus, is a strain that has never been previously found in humans.

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Signs of coronavirus infection include fever, coughing, breathing issues, chills, and runny noses. In some cases, and this is why there’s been so much about it in the news lately, the Novel Coronavirus can cause pneumonia, kidney failure, and even death.

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• How Does the Coronavirus Spread?

 

Much like the flu or the common cold, the Novel Coronavirus is believed to be spread through respiratory droplets. This means that coughing, sneezing, and kissing can potentially spread the virus.

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• What are the Odds of Contracting Novel Coronavirus?

 

The Coronavirus is causing a media frenzy as it has never been found in humans and thus there is no current vaccine or tried-and-true treatment. However, the virus has so far been very well contained and has only been found in a few countries. So, your odds of contracting it, even while traveling, are very low.

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That said, travel to China while the Coronavirus is still spreading is not advised, nor is coming in contact with someone who has recently visited China, or who has specifically been in a location with confirmed Coronavirus. 

 

7 Tips to Protect Yourself Against the Coronavirus

 

• Wash Your Hands Regularly

 

Even if your hands aren’t physically dirty, it’s important to wash them regularly with both soap and water. Also, keep a bottle of hand sanitizer on you at all times, and use it after touching anything in public.

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Doing this will eliminate the virus if it’s on your hands.

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• Avoid Touching Your Face

 

Because your hands will generally be the first things to come in contact with surfaces containing the Coronavirus, try your best to keep them away from your eyes, nose, and mouth while traveling.

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This is especially a great idea while flying or when in a public place with a lot of other people around.

 

• Use a Face Mask

 

If you’re sick, wear a mask, and if you’re not sick, wear a mask.

 

Of course, you don’t have to don a mask during the entirety of your travels (especially if you’re not sick), but while you’re in congested places such as airports, airplanes, and public squares, this is a very good idea.

 

N95 masks are recommended.

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• Wipe Down Your Seats & Tray Tables

 

Something that’s a good idea every time you travel, be sure to bring some disinfecting wet wipes with you onto public transportation (including planes, buses, and trains), and wipe down your seat, seatbelt, tray table, armrest, and anything else that you might come into contact with.

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Seats and tray tables rarely get cleaned, so this is a great line of defense against the Coronavirus and any other viruses.

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• Make Sure You Have Travel Health Insurance

 

No matter where you’re headed in the world, a health insurance policy could potentially come in very handy; especially during times of virus outbreaks.

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A good travel health insurance policy will cover you for hospital visits, doctor’s appointments, and even medical evacuation should you have to leave the country.

 

•  Research Your Destination 

 

As more news about the Coronavirus is made available, it’s becoming easier to do your research on your destination and assess the risk level. As it stands, there are only a few countries where people have tested positive for Novel Coronavirus, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take extra precautions.