After posting this last week a lot has changed, so I am adding some updates. I am a teacher who is currently on Spring Break. However, since my original post my school decided to close for at least an additional week after Spring Break and move to online remote lessons. I was also originally planning to go to Nashville this week with my husband, but since so many things have closed there temporarily we had to cancel.
Like many I have questions and concerns about traveling and being in crowds or public places when traveling. It takes a lot of convincing before most of us seasoned travelers are willing to give up travel. However, most of us are putting it on hold for now. However, if you are unable to cancel your work travel plans or find that you need to fly, make sure to use common sense and be extra careful to stay healthy.
Air Travel Health Tips
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) has changed air travel completely. Several airlines are cutting domestic flights and getting rid of some amenities provided onboard. Companies are restricting business travel and doing more teleconferencing and video meetings. With 52 confirmed cases now in my state of Tennessee school districts are planning how they will handle this outbreak. Coronavirus in the U.S.A. is a concern. What started as a global health crisis has now become a pandemic, and this affects travel in many ways.
Do Your Research to Understand Your Risks Before You Travel
The CDC (Center for Disease Control) has a searchable COVID-19 risk assessment tool by country on its website along with other helpful information. It is a good idea to learn the status of your destination before you travel. When it comes to air travel and health do your due diligence.
Right now as a type this (March 17, 2020), the CDC has updated their travel advisories. More countries have been added to the Warning Level 3 Category. This means you should avoid all nonessential travel to: South Korea, Iran, Italy and most other European countries, United Kingdom and Ireland, and China. They have also added Venezuela because of the breakdown of the healthcare infrastructure in that country. The State Department also puts out regular travel advisories.
Health officials are asking people to self quarantine for 14 days after visiting high risk areas, so keep this in mind when making travel plans. They also suggest what is called “social distancing,” which just means to avoid very crowded places, public transportation, and staying about 6 feet from people. Talk about personal space, right?
Wash Your Hands Frequently
As a teacher I’m a pro at this one. I feel like I’m in a room full of germs all day long. I may get teased for being a germaphobe, but health experts say this is one of the best ways to protect yourself from diseases that spread on contact.
According to the CDC, hand washing can help prevent illness. Their website says that hand washing involves five simple and effective steps: Wet, Lather, Scrub, Rinse, and Dry. Regularly washing your hands, particularly before and after certain activities, is one of the best ways to conquer germs and avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. It’s so easy! Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can be used if soap and water are not available, but it will not work as well and dries your skin out.
The CDC recommends washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Currently there is no vaccine to prevent coronavirus, so it is important to avoid touching your face and biting your fingernails.
Choose a Window Seat
This is always my preference anyway, because I like to look out the window and sit on the end of a row. But if people are the ones spreading the virus germs it makes sense to sit with less people around you. If you sit by the window you only have the persons next to you, in front of you, and behind you to worry about.
Bring Sanitizing Wipes
Take sanitary wipes and wipe off all surfaces used like the tray table, arm rests, and any other common places you use on the airplane. It has not been proven that coronavirus can live on surfaces, but it has not been ruled out either. It is interesting to note that FAA studies have shown that the back of the tray tables have more germs than the top. Ewh! The EPA released their list of approved disinfectants to kill coronavirus. You can find the list here.
Airlines are doing extra cleaning in light of this virus. I have read that airplane cabin air is cleaner than an office building, because the air filtration system on airplanes refreshes the air more often. Commercial jets have High Efficiency Particulate Air filters (HEPA), and according to International Air Transport Association they capture over 99.9% of airborne microbes.
Delta Airlines claims to have taken proactive and voluntary steps including a high-grade EPA registered disinfectant used on all flights, more hand sanitizer, more gloves for flight attendants, and several other additional sanitation procedures.
American Airlines says they are enhancing their cleaning procedures on international flights and aircraft that remain overnight at an airport. This includes a more thorough cleaning of all hard surfaces, including tray tables and armrests. All catering equipment on key international flights will undergo additional sanitation and disinfection procedures.
Southwest Airlines spends more than six hours cleaning aircraft every night in addition to cleaning in between flights. They say that since March 4, 2020 they have enhanced their overnight cleaning procedures as well.
Other Tips for Healthy Travel
No need to panic and go out and stock up on surgical masks. Health experts at the CDC say that you do not need to walk around wearing a mask over your face unless you are sick and might infect others.
Before you travel make sure you boost your own immune system by getting good sleep, controlling stress, eating vitamins, and of course washing your hands.
Consider getting the best travel insurance you can in case you need to cancel your trip. Check into travel health insurance as well.
According to ABC News today the CEO’s of major U.S. Airlines met at the White House last week to reassure passengers that air travel is safe. So go ahead and enjoy your trip if you must go, but take safety precautions and use common sense. And save me some toilet paper when you get back!
What are your thoughts? Do you have any additional advice? I’d love to hear from frequent travelers. Please leave your comments below.
