Discover the most important health measures and preventive tips to ensure your safety when planning for travel and tourism during the spread of coronavirus.
Should trips for travel and tourism be cancelled?
Cancelling trips is not necessarily required, but it is advised to check the health status of the destination and communicate with the airline. If traveling, preventive rules should be followed, including:
- Avoiding contact with people showing symptoms of the illness.
- Washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using an alcohol-based sanitizer.
- Refraining from touching the face, eyes, nose, and mouth.
Prevention measures during transit
The level of safety varies depending on the mode of transport used:
- Airplanes: Viruses do not spread easily due to air filtration systems, but it is preferable to avoid using airplane bathrooms as much as possible, keep your face away from your neighbor, and stay away from sick individuals.
- Cruises: Infection risks increase due to large gatherings and direct contact; therefore, they should be avoided, especially for pregnant women, the elderly, those with weak immunity, and people with chronic diseases.
- Public gatherings: Crowded places and closed rooms should be avoided, and a safe distance should be maintained when standing in queues.
Additional health procedures
To reduce the chances of infection, the following can be followed:
- Personal hygiene: Use tissues when sneezing or coughing and dispose of them immediately, and use wipes when touching handles and surrounding surfaces to avoid transmitting infection.
- Sterilization: Use a hand sanitizer containing alcohol between 60% and 95%.
- Vaccines: Some airlines or countries may require vaccination as a condition for entry, or undergo a two-week quarantine.
Why you should wear a mask while traveling to reduce infection
Opinions vary regarding the necessity of masks; while it is recommended to wear a mask while traveling permanently to reduce the chances of infection, some suggest they are only necessary for those showing symptoms of the illness, while healthy people do not need them provided they follow hygiene and distancing instructions.
FAQ about coronavirus and travel
What is the chance of contracting coronavirus on a plane?
The chance is generally low due to the nature of air management and filtration inside the aircraft; however, hand sterilization and avoiding touching the face must be maintained.
What should I do when returning from an area where the virus is spreading?
It is preferable to perform a home quarantine for 14 days to monitor the appearance of any symptoms, such as coughing, difficulty breathing, or high fever.
Is it possible to perform Hajj and Umrah rituals?
Yes, this is possible by following preventive guidelines, but it is advised to postpone the rituals for high-risk groups, such as those over 65 years old, children under 12, pregnant women, and patients with cancer, kidney disease, heart disease, or diabetes.
Is it safe to be on a cruise?
Risks are considered higher on these trips due to high human density, so they are recommended to be avoided by those with weak immunity or chronic diseases.
When should you visit a doctor?
Medical help should be sought immediately if the following signs appear:
- High body temperature.
- Shortness of breath or coughing.
- Headache, muscle pain, or sore throat.
- Diarrhea or runny nose.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for consulting a specialist physician.
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Illustration: AI-generated
approved by: Medica Health team