Safety Tips for Travelling at this Time

Posted by Nicole Catabran on 21 March 2020 | Tags: Safety, Travel, COVID-19, Coronavirus, Health

As everyone should now be aware, the cases of coronavirus in Australia is increasing every day. While the government highly recommends cancelling or postponing all trips as well as gatherings over 100, we understand that some may still need to travel, especially for work. Thus, it is extremely important to be aware of how to travel safely and consciously.

Below are some tips to not only stay safe and healthy during this time, but to also be conscious of your actions so as not to transmit the virus to the elderly and immunocompromised. 

1. Avoid crowds.

Your risk of exposure to respiratory viruses such as COVID-19 increases in crowded areas, especially those that are poorly ventilated, if there are people that are sick/are carrying the virus without symptoms in the crowd. More info in number 4.

2. Wash your hands for at least 10-20 seconds with soap, rubbing all areas and crevices of the hands.

Wash your hands regularly, especially after:

• going to the toilet
• sneezing, coughing, blowing your nose
• having been in a public place
• taking public transport
• receiving an item from anyone

3. Carry sanitiser/alcohol wipes with you where possible.

This is so that you can easily sanitise your hands and yourself where soap and water is not within reach, such as after touching a door handle at a public area. Wipes can be used to wipe down chairs and tables if you need to sit/touch something.

4. Maintain social distancing - minimum of 1.5 metres apart.

Why is this? Respiratory droplets from speaking, coughing, sneezing, etc., can land on your face, which, if you breathe it in, can cause you to contract an infection. It is thought that these droplets can only travel up to approximately 6 feet (1.8 metres). The recommendation of 1.5 to 2 metres is based on past research from other viruses such as the influenza, as well as being thought as an acceptable and practical distance for day-to-day activities. 

5. Avoid carrying/dealing with cash.

This is because cash is generally unsanitary as it is unknown how many hands it has passed through. Most businesses are starting to convert to only cashless transactions, for the purpose of limiting the spread of viruses. 

Finally, if you are experiencing shortness of breath/breathing difficulties, fever and/or cough, or if you are elderly or have a history of a serious long-term health problem, please stay at home and seek the advice of a doctor over the phone.

Otherwise, if it is within your capabilities, please limit the amount of trips to the supermarket/shops or to anywhere for purposes of running errands or socialising, and if you can work or study from home, please do so, as this can greatly help the elderly and immunocompromised in the community.