With the prospect of transitioning to General Community Quarantine in the near future, many are asking what protocols or practices to follow to avoid contracting Covid19 or any other infectious disease, especially when travelling.

The World Health Organization provides basic guidelines for travelling[1], whether within the country or to international destinations, which has been used as the standard protocol globally. These include recommendations for general hygiene, cough etiquette and social distancing.

• Wash hands regularly, “particularly after contact with respiratory secretions”.[2]
• Use paper tissue or flexed elbow when sneezing or coughing.[3]
• Avoid touching mouth and nose.[4]
• Use a mask that covers mouth and nose, and avoid touching the mask once it is put on.[5]
• Dispose of single-use masks properly, and wash hands after removing masks.[6]

One important tip to help you travel safely is to practice diligence and keep updated on the news with regard to COVID-19 travel advisories, as well as specific information relative to the area you intend to travel to.

• Determine the level of the COVID-19 outbreak in your travel destination, to help you prepare properly.
• Check for bulletins from the Department of Health, respective local government units,  and other authorities on the latest news and directives.

Other precautionary measures are recommended, such as

• Boosting your immune system to keep it strong, by ensuring “adequate sleep, healthy eating, regular exercise and stress management”.[7]
• Make sure that your vaccinations are up-to-date, and find out what vaccines are recommended or necessary in the area of your travel.[8]
• On planes, ships and buses, clean high-touch surfaces such as. trays and armrests with alcohol-based cleaning wipes before you use them.[9]
• Hydrate well and often, to help the body fight infections.[10]

Practicing proper hygiene, staying healthy and keeping informed on the latest news and advisories on COVID-19 are musts to help you travel safe. Diligence and discipline will go a long way as you go your safe and healthy way.

[1] World Health Organization. [2020, February]. Updated WHO Recommendations for international traffic in relation to COVID-19 outbreak. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/articles-detail/updated-who-recommendations-for-international-traffic-in-relation-to-covid-19-outbreak

[2] World Health Organization. [2020, February]. Updated WHO Recommendations for international traffic in relation to COVID-19 outbreak. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/articles-detail/updated-who-recommendations-for-international-traffic-in-relation-to-covid-19-outbreak

[3] World Health Organization. [2020, February]. Updated WHO Recommendations for international traffic in relation to COVID-19 outbreak. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/articles-detail/updated-who-recommendations-for-international-traffic-in-relation-to-covid-19-outbreak

[4] World Health Organization. [2020, February]. Updated WHO Recommendations for international traffic in relation to COVID-19 outbreak. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/articles-detail/updated-who-recommendations-for-international-traffic-in-relation-to-covid-19-outbreak

[5] World Health Organization. [2020]. Protect Yourself and Stay Healthy While Travelling. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/bangladesh/emergencies/coronavirus-disease-(covid-19)-update/protect-yourself-and-stay-healthy-while-travelling

[6] World Health Organization. [2020]. Protect Yourself and Stay Healthy While Travelling. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/bangladesh/emergencies/coronavirus-disease-(covid-19)-update/protect-yourself-and-stay-healthy-while-travelling

[7] Caceres, V. [2020, March]. Coronavirus: How to Stay Healthy While Traveling. Retrieved from https://health.usnews.com/conditions/articles/coronavirus-how-to-stay-healthy-while-traveling

[8] Caceres, V. [2020, March]. Coronavirus: How to Stay Healthy While Traveling. Retrieved from https://health.usnews.com/conditions/articles/coronavirus-how-to-stay-healthy-while-traveling

[9] Caceres, V. [2020, March]. Coronavirus: How to Stay Healthy While Traveling. Retrieved from https://health.usnews.com/conditions/articles/coronavirus-how-to-stay-healthy-while-traveling

[10] Caceres, V. [2020, March]. Coronavirus: How to Stay Healthy While Traveling. Retrieved from https://health.usnews.com/conditions/articles/coronavirus-how-to-stay-healthy-while-traveling