As many countries progressively relax the strict COVID-19 rules & regulations, many people are beginning to wonder if it is safe to travel during COVID-19. Our response to this question would be a YES – if you are willing to adhere to all safety suggestions we are about to make, and a NO – if you can’t adhere to the safety tips. In this article, we will suggest measures of how to travel during COVID-19.
There’s no doubt that travel can have a positive impact on your health and wellbeing. But with the recent outbreak of COVID-19, we must agree that travel becomes a lot more challenging.
Carefully read our COVID-19 travel recommendations before you consider setting out for your next travel.
Do some COVID-19 related research about your destination(s)
When you travel, you’re more likely to have greater exposure to shared spaces, such as restaurants, hotels and public restrooms, which increases your chances of being exposed to the COVID-19 and any other illness associated with shared spaces. While the infection rate in some areas may be lower than others, increased exposure to the public means that the risk is still there. However, our recommendation is that you carry out some research and ensure that the places you intend to travel to have a lesser increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases, as this reduces your chance of contracting the virus during your visits.
- Uganda Statistics on COVID-19.
- Rwanda Statistics on COVID-19.
- Kenya Statistics on COVID-19.
- Tanzania Statistics on COVID-19.
Which mode of transportation do you intend to Use?
- In terms of air circulation, experts say planes are essentially as safe as hospitals.
- Though travelling isn’t recommended, the CDC says that “most viruses and other germs do not spread easily on flights because of how air circulates and is filtered on aeroplanes.”
- “Most viruses and other germs do not spread easily on flights because of how air circulates and is filtered on aeroplanes,” according to the CDC.
We all know that travelling to East Africa for many is by air. This comes at a time when many think that air travel is unsafe. Fair enough, we like to understand your fears but also demystify this. The CDC – Center for Disease Control and Prevention on their website does state that contrary to what many think, viruses do not spread easily on flights because of how air circulates and is filtered on aeroplanes. (see: FAQ’s – Can flying on an aeroplane increase my risk of catching COVID-19?
Wisely choose the safest places to stay… (we are happy to recommend safe Hotels)
You’re less likely to encounter the virus on a camping Safari than at a busy backpackers lodge characterised by crowds. Is it safe to travel during COVID-19
While many hotels, lodges and accommodation facilities across East Africa have and continue to implement risk-reduction protocols, such as requiring guests and staff to wear masks in public areas, maintain the required dinning distance etc, our recommendation and practical advise is that you consider staying at boutique-style lodging options that expose you to the fewest number of people to keep your risk as low as possible. (See: Safe Hotels to stay at during your post-lockdown travel into East Africa).
Wisely choose the activities you intend to indulge in
Activities that put you within 6 feet of someone you are not travelling with are inherently risky. There are plenty of things you can do while travelling that allow you to maintain a safe distance from other people. At Realm Africa Safaris™ we recommend booking private activities like boat trips, hiking expeditions, and travelling solo is advisable.
Crowded or enclosed spaces like museums, concerts and other public events are much higher risk. However if you must visit any such places, we recommend that you wear your mask and also remember to maint the 6-foot social distancing to reduce the risk of transmission.
Recommendations on how to stay safe during your travel
Honestly speaking, travel does increase your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19. Before you decide to travel, make sure to do some research to learn whether COVID-19 is spreading in places you intend to go. Check to see what the requirements are for instance some countries may require visitors to quarantine on arrival.
“If you decide to travel, it’s important to remember that the coronavirus is real, and could claim your life – treat this serious!
How to guard your self against catching the deadly Coronavirus during travel.
- Practice good hand-washing hygiene: Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after visiting a public place or touching potentially contaminated surfaces. No access to soap and water? Use hand sanitizer until you’re able to get to a sink.
- Avoid touching your face: Your nose and mouth are primary routes of transmission. Keeping your hands away from your face will help prevent contaminated droplets from reaching your mucus membranes.
- Wear a mask: Covering your nose and mouth with a mask ensures germs stay put. “It’s a lot harder for a respiratory droplet to hit you or contaminate a surface you might come into contact with if everyone is masked.
- Practice physical distancing: Virus-containing droplets can travel through the air. If you keep your distance from the people around you, you’re more likely to avoid infection.
Most importantly, recognize that as a traveller, you have an ongoing responsibility to protect not just yourself, but also the people around you. If you’re exposed to COVID-19 while you’re travelling, you can spread the virus to loved ones when you return, even if you are symptom-free.
People who are over age 60, or who have underlying medical conditions, are especially vulnerable to developing serious illness from COVID-19.
While we continue to understand and deal with the unknown Coronavirus, all travellers should take the threat of the coronavirus seriously and follow the guidelines laid out by the World Health Organisation, CDC and local health officials.”
