Flying Safely During COVID-19
Flying Safely During COVID-19 – Travel Recommendations From the CDC
Cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have been reported in all states, and some areas are experiencing community spread of the disease. Travel increases your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19.
The CDC recommends that you stay home as much as possible, especially if your trip is not essential, and practice social distancing especially if you are at higher risk of severe illness. Don’t travel if you are sick or travel with someone who is sick.
COVID-19 Considerations if You Must Travel
Protect yourself and others during your trip: Clean your hands often.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub your hands together until they feel dry.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
Pick up food at drive-throughs, curbside restaurant service, or stores. Do not dine in restaurants if that is prohibited by state or local guidance.
Because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes, most viruses and other germs do not spread easily on flights. However, there may be a risk of getting COVID-19 on crowded flights if there are other travelers on board with COVID-19.
Precautions to Take While Flying
Precautions to take while traveling during the coronavirus disease outbreak.
Perform hand hygiene frequently, particularly after contact with respiratory secretions. Hand hygiene includes either cleaning hands with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand rub. Alcohol-based hand rubs are preferred if hands are not visibly soiled; wash hands with soap and water when they are visibly soiled.
Cover your nose and mouth with a flexed elbow or paper tissue when coughing or sneezing and disposing immediately of the tissue and performing hand hygiene; Refrain from touching mouth and nose; A medical mask is not required if exhibiting no symptoms, as there is no evidence that wearing a mask – of any type – protects non-sick persons. However, in some cultures, masks may be commonly worn. If masks are to be worn, it is critical to follow best practices on how to wear, remove and dispose of them and on hand hygiene after removal
As for any travel, travelers are also advised to follow proper food hygiene practices, including the five keys for food safety, as well as recommendations to reduce the risk of transmission of emerging pathogens from animals to human in live markets.
The core messages of the Five Keys to Safer Food are: (1) keep clean; (2) separate raw and cooked; (3) cook thoroughly (4) keep food at safe temperatures; and (5) use safe water and raw materials.
Tips For Flying Safely During COVID-19
Flying Safely During COVID-19
If you have to fly, here are some tips to decrease the chance of contracting COVID-19 at the airport or on your flight:
Don’t fly, if you can help it.
Check-in for your flight online.
Eat before you get to the airport.
At the TSA checkpoint, fit your items in as few bins as possible, and put bags and shoes directly on the belt.
Wash your hands every chance you get.
Use the restroom before your flight to avoid using it during the flight.
Try and stay six feet apart from other travelers.
Avoid stores and lines.
Sit far from crowds while you wait to board.
Wear a face mask and latex gloves.
Have your boarding pass on your phone.
Wipe down everything that is going to touch you during the flight.
Keep you wallet packed – keep only your ID and whatever credit card you need accessible. Bring hand sanitizer and use it each time you touch anything throughout your journey.
