Traveling during a global pandemic: all that you need to know
By: Silvana Valdivieso Reyes 10A
Covid-19 has definitely changed our lives. Since the beginnings of March of 2020, all the daily things as we knew stopped and changed due to the virus. One of these things that is completely different now is travelling, being a little bit more complex but not impossible. I traveled to Santa Marta for New Years and, with a lot of care through the trip, I made it to my home safe and covid-free. Taking into account my experience, I’m going to show you some of my recommendations and opinions on how to travel safely during a global pandemic.
Stage #1: The preparation
A journey always requires preparation, and even if you’re not a person who likes planning, with our situation nowadays it becomes necessary. Among the essential things like sunscreen, toothbrush, and shampoo, you would also want to include masks, alcohol, and antibacterial gel. These three are a must when it comes to traveling or simply going out of your house. Don’t forget to pack the needed amount of masks for your trip (even some extra ones), alcohol which should be at 70% or more, and some good quantity of antibacterial gel.
In addition, it is important to check your flight information which includes the day, hour of departure, and the hour that you need to be at the boarding gate. In the days before your takeoff, check constantly the email you registered in the airline company since it is possible that they change the hour of the flight. Finally, 24 hours before the departure, do the check in online so you can save time at the airport.
Stage #2: Airport
As the government gave permission to resume the air operation, there are some protocols that we need to follow in order to travel safely. If you’re going to travel nationally, you can only enter the airport building two hours before the hour of departure of your flight. On the other hand, if you’re traveling internationally, you can enter the airport only 4 hours before the time of departure of your flight. The airport officials are very strict with this rule. Likewise, at the entrance they would ask for a report of your health status in CoronApp. This report should be from maximum 24 hours before the moment of your arrival at the airport. Please, if you or any of your close relatives have any covid related symptoms, DO NOT TRAVEL. Be an assertive passenger, so no more people can catch the virus and many lives can be saved.
Once you have passed this first filter, in which they will also check your temperature at least twice, you can enter the building. While standing in line to do the check in (if you didn’t do it online), delivering the checked luggage, and entering the security zone, social distancing is the key to avoid creating crowds. There are some stickers on the ground that indicate where you should position yourself, so you are two meters away from others. Don’t forget to constantly use alcohol and antibacterial gel to disinfect both your hands and the things that others need to touch like your ID, passport, and boarding pass (that can either be printed or on your phone).
Stage #3: On the plane
The fight you board may be full. On the airplane, there’s no chair that would not be in use for distancing persons. I consider this the moment where you have to be extremely careful because it is possible that you are surrounded by a lot of people. First, please I beg you, don’t take off your mask during the whole flight. Unless you have to eat something, which by the way in the majority of airplanes is forbidden for short distances, don’t do it. This action can put in danger your life and the life of others near your seat. Secondly, I recommend using a full face shield mask above your normal mask so you can be more protected. It’s important to clarify that the airplane will be in constant air change in order to avoid contagion, so by using these protective elements you can’t feel like drowning. As always, put some antibacterial gel every once in a while to clean your hands.
The aircraft entertainment service (I mean, the screen in front of the seats) will not be working to prevent touching things. Therefore, take a book or some headphones with you in your hand luggage so you don’t get bored. Enjoy your flight, and when you have landed, take into account that to exit the plane is done by calling the rows from front to back starting with the right side and then the left one.
Stage #4: Vacation!
When you arrive at the hotel, house, Airbnb, or wherever you are staying, disinfect all the items you used during the fight. This includes your phone, keys, and even the clothes you were using. Change your mask too.
During your trip be very careful and abide by all the departamental or national rules of your destination. Use alcohol and antibacterial gel constantly, wash your hands, replace your masks every 6 hours, and have a good time while taking care of yourself.
Stage #5: The return
For the return, review again all the previous stages (#1, #2, #3, and even #4). The government requires that every three days from your arrival during two weeks, you have to report again your health status in CoronApp. Above all, it is essential to quarantine and not go out with anyone who wasn’t on the trip with you for at least a week, preferably two weeks. In this way, you can ensure the safety of yourself and those you love (especially with older adults).
I hope that with this article you can realize that traveling is possible. Although Covid-19 canceled many things, traveling is a pleasure we can still appreciate with the needed protocols for this situation. Consider all the risks it takes and, if you take the decision to travel, take into account my recommendations.