(RxWiki News) Over the past several months, we've all had to make changes — including adopting new hygiene and sanitization practices. As summer ramps up, those new practices may also apply to our travel plans.
With the start of summer, more people are planning to go on vacation. Here is everything you need to know about how to protect yourself and your family if you are planning a trip.
Really, the recommendations are no different from the recommendations in your local community. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended that travelers do the following:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This is especially important after you touch surfaces that are frequently touched by others. If soap and water are not available, you can use hand sanitizer. For hand sanitizer to be effective, it must contain at least 60 percent alcohol. And make sure you cover your entire hands and rub until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Keep six feet of distance between yourself and others.
- Cover your face with a face covering.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes.
- Pick up food at drive-throughs or curbside. You may have to pack non-perishable food and water for your trip in case restaurants and stores are closed where you are going.
With these recommendations, think about where you are going and consider the following questions:
- Will you or those you are traveling with be able to stay six feet from others during your trip? This depends on how you travel. Depending on how crowded the planes or buses are, you may not be able to to stay six feet away from others.
- Does the local or state government where you live or at your destination require you to stay home for 14 days after traveling?
The CDC also recommended that people think about the following before traveling:
- Is COVID-19 spreading where you’re traveling to?
- Is COVID-19 spreading in your community? Even if you do not have any symptoms, you can spread COVID-19 to others while on your trip.
- Is anyone traveling with you at a higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19?
- Do you live with someone who is at a higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19? If you get sick while on vacation, you can spread COVID-19 to loved ones when you return.
- Upon returning, will you be required by your local government to stay home for 14 days?
