What is Coronavirus?
Coronavirus is a family of virus known for containing strains that cause potentially deadly diseases in mammals and birds. In humans they are spread via airborne droplets of fluid produced by infected individuals.
List of Countries Affected by Coronavirus
As at the time of this post, some countries that have been affected by this virus are:
- China
- Japan
- Republic of Korea
- Vietnam
- Singapore
- Australia
- Malaysia
- Cambodia
- Philippines
- Thailand
- Hong Kong
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- Malaysia
- Nepal
- Sri Lanka
- India
- United States of America
- Canada
- France
- Finland
- Macao
- Belgium
- Germany
- Italy
- Russian Federation
- Spain
- Sweden
- United Kingdom
So far, China still has the highest number of reported case and death toll.
Airport Measures and Longer Hours for Safety Checks
While traveling at the moment, you may experience longer hours at the airport for safety checks. Hence, it is important to ensure you arrive at the airport at least 3-hours before your flight time for an international travel. This is to give you ample time to go through all the safety procedures while still having enough time for check in and boarding.
Even local airport may now go through similar safety measures, so it is advisable to always arrive at the airport hours ahead of your travel time.
What To Do While Traveling to Stay Safe From Coronavirus
1: Avoid Traveling to China or Connecting Flights via China
At this time, it is important to stay away from any trip to China or even using a flight with a layover or stopover at China. Rather, seek an alternative flight that will not take you through China for your connecting flight. While China has the highest case, other countries are reported to have a few cases as well.
For important business meetings in China, you can connect via various Apps like Zoom, Skype or dial in to join the meeting online without having to travel.
2: Be Conscious of Your Hygiene
There are a few safety measures to embrace to stay safe while traveling and this include:
- Washing your hands frequently with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub eliminates the virus if it is on your hands.
- Practice respiratory hygiene such that you cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing to prevent the spread of germs and viruses. If you sneeze or cough into your hands, you may contaminate objects or people that you touch.
- Maintain a social distance between yourself and other people, particularly those who are coughing, sneezing and have a fever.
- If you have mild respiratory symptoms and no travel history to or within China, carefully practice basic respiratory and hand hygiene and stay home until you are recovered, if possible.
- Avoid consumption of raw or under cooked animal products
- Ensure regular hand washing with soap and potable water after touching animals and animal products
- Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with hands; and avoid contact with sick animals or spoiled animal products
3: Ensure you are traveling with your travel essentials
While on any trip, ensure you have your face mask to cover your nose and mouth while in public, hand sanitizer, handwash, gloves, scrubs and some tissue papers.
4: You Need a Comprehensive Travel Insurance
A lot of times, we have had to travel without a travel insurance as we believe we are safe and it’s just for a few days. We always underestimate the importance of a travel insurance which is always for our own benefit. When you get a comprehensive travel insurance you are basically covering yourself against travel risks such as lost or stolen luggage, cancellation cover (should you not be able to travel due to unexpected medical reasons) and most importantly, unexpected medical costs abroad.
If you are traveling soon or later in the year and you need a comprehensive travel insurance, kindly ask us.
5: Stay informed on all travel news
As a frequent traveler or not, it is important to stay abreast on all travel news at this time so as to stay abreast of all related cases of the Coronavirus. You can also stay informed via CDC website.
Remember to stay safe out there. You can also connect with us on social media via Instagram on Vacationplacesng.
