Checklist for Traveling during the Pandemic as Fall Begins
While many people have been able to work from home since March 2020, others still must go into the office –and sometimes even travel. Exposure to the virus while traveling is, of course, a great risk to this day.
Amidst the rise of Delta, it can be nerve-wracking to be inside the airport and get on the plane, even with the social-distancing protocols in place.
Below is a checklist to ensure that your travels will be as safe as can be, so you return home healthy and COVID-free!
Vaccination card and/or Negative COVID-19 test results
If you are traveling into the United States from another country, you are required to provide a negative COVID-19 test result. Among the tests you can take are PCR tests and antigen tests. These must be done no longer than 3 days before your flight comes into the country.
Whether or not you are vaccinated, it is recommended to take a COVID-19 test 3-5 days after you arrive at your destination to ensure that you did not get the virus while on the run.
Hand sanitizer
While hand sanitizer is available virtually everywhere at airports, it is a good practice to wash your hands as much as possible. As you walk through airport bathrooms, consider going in for a quick handwash. If you are very anxious about being at the airport and you must travel, consider bringing disposable gloves that you can use on the plane or in the bathroom.
Face Masks
Wearing face masks is required inside planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation within the country. On some outside areas of conveyance, masks may not be required. Masks are still one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and others against the virus, so keep using them and socially-distancing while in crowded and enclosed spaces.
Keeping close guard over your bags
There are different safety reasons why you’d want to watch over your suitcases, and COVID is one of them. As you socially distance, ensure no one touches, sneezes on, or leans on your belongings.
Contactless taxi service or car rental
Taxi services these days require face masks for your and the driver’s protection. Request a ride, pay, and tip from your phone. You can also rent a car entirely online, and many companies have contactless pick-up at airports where the keys or car code will be conveniently left for you.
Food that is packaged
Although restaurants and coffee shops must adhere to the highest standards of hygiene, COVID poses a risk to everyone. Every choice you make can keep you on the path of health, so choose pre-packaged food or something that you know hasn’t been touched.
Upkeep healthy habits
It is common for the immune system to take a toll after we travel, so give it a boost with your favorite vitamins and supplements. Use Vitamin C for an added boost to your system, and exercise from 10-30 minutes daily to help your cardiovascular and mental health.
Conclusion
Now that you have a roadmap for successful travel in 2021, we hope you have a safe and productive time. Stay safe and PMH Laboratory is here to serve your medical diagnostic services needs.