We are in a pandemic, and there are people still taking vacations, so we are just going to share and remind everyone of some essential and necessary tips while traveling. If you’re going to travel, let’s take safety precautions that can lower your risk of contracting coronavirus (COVID-19). According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID 19 cases continue to grow.

When traveling, make sure you cover the necessary steps; wear a mask, keep 6 feet apart from others, wash your hands, avoid touching your eyes and mouth, and avoid contact with anyone who is sick: if you’re sick, stay home.

One of the first steps you should consider while planning and booking your trip is to check all travel restrictions for your desired location. Be aware of the community spread where you live and where you are traveling. If the percentage is high, you should reconsider your travel plans. These steps are vital because regulations are different in all locations, and you want to take the best safety route possible.

Don’t Forget your Masks and a few extra: Wearing a mask prevents others from spreading their germs to those around them. Therefore, when wearing a mask, one should wear it appropriately over the nose and the mouth. It should also fit perfectly around the face to prevent any germs from sneaking out. 

Hand Sanitizer with at least 60% off alcohol and Disinfecting Wipes: Depending on how you’re traveling, you will encounter several surfaces that you may end up touching:

• Countertops.
• Door handles.
• Luggage carts.
• Escalator handrails.
• Elevator buttons.
• Items someone else picked up and placed back on the shelf in the souvenir shop before you touched it.

Don’t Forget Your Medication: If you have medications that you take regularly, be sure to have enough with you to last during the duration of your trip; maybe you should pack extra just in case your travel time is extended past its original time frame. For those who do not take medicine regularly, it is good to take an emergency medical kit with you that includes pain relievers, Vitamin C, something that could help with an upset stomach, sore throat, etc. What you carry in your medical kit is up to you. Before the pandemic, I always packed pain relievers and Pepto-Bismol based on prior experiences and getting sick while traveling; therefore, I highly recommend bringing along medicines that can help commonly known illnesses.

Know Your Results and Get Tested: You should consider getting a viral test 24-72 hours before your planned trip; this is something CDC recommends just in case you’re asked for your COVID 19 test results during your travel. Getting tested is another safety measure that can be beneficial to you and those around you. If you do not know where to get tested, check with your healthcare provider for guidance or your local healthcare department websites for updated testing locations. 

Traveling can be risky during the pandemic, so taking these necessary steps will help slow the spread if you’re traveling. CDC is stressing that staying home is the best way to prevent the spread of COVID 19, but several people are traveling for work, essential needs, and leisure. When traveling from location to location, consider all safety guidelines of your destination. If you’re sick, stay home; we want to prevent the spread of any illness that can easily harm and change someone else’s life.