Traveling and the Coronavirus Outbreak: How to Navigate Uncertain Times

Traveling & the Coronavirus Outbreak: How to Navigate Uncertain Times

The global COVID-19 outbreak has put air travel into a tailspin. Nervous passengers are canceling flights or postponing trips. Airlines themselves have been forced to drop routes to countries heavily affected by the pandemic and offer free cancellations. Now that the disease itself has moved on to other countries from China, people find themselves questioning whether they should even leave their homes. If you are one of these concerned people, here are some tips on protecting yourself while traveling and also keeping you calm.

Pre-departure Coronavirus Checklist

  • Look at your departure date and see when you are traveling. If you have a month to go, it may be best to keep an eye on the situation and see how it develops before canceling or rescheduling your flight.
  • Get in touch with your travel provider or airline to make sure that your flight will be running, and no change has taken place.
  • Make sure you are up to date on travel advisories by the State Department or CDC. You can also check the WHO website to get details on the situation in countries around the globe.
  • Make sure to protect your trip with Travel Insurance. Contact your travel insurance provider to ensure you have the proper coverage for your trip.

Healthy Practices When Traveling

  • Practice good personal hygiene and wash your hands properly. This means making sure you use soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds after being in a public area like an airport or airplane.
  • Do not touch your face, especially If your hands are not clean. The virus is transmitted through the eyes, nose, and mouth and the best way to avoid this is to not directly put your hands on your face.
  • Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing. It is recommended that you don’t cough into your hand and instead use a tissue or the inside of your elbow.
  • Use a hand sanitizer that works to kill off viruses. Check the label to see how well the product works.
  • Carry a roll of sanitizing napkins so you can quickly wipe down areas where you sit and eat.
  • If you would like to use a face mask, get one that fits your face properly and is meant to prevent the spread of disease. Not all masks are made the same so some research should go into your purchase.

At the end of the day, deciding to travel is dependent on you. If you feel comfortable traveling, then you can make the choice. However, if you do not wish to take the risk then staying at home is the best course of action. However, staying calm is important whether you are on a plane, at the airport, or at home. If you choose to travel, Trawick International has you covered. Learn More about how Trawick International travel insurance is covering COVID-19.