No one wants to be trapped at home, but it’s the best way we know how to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Some people can’t avoid traveling, though, while others don’t want to let this pandemic stop them from living their lives. Whatever the reason may be for you to travel, it’s important that you take as many precautions as you can to protect yourself and others from contracting this virus. Before you travel away from home, consider the following questions:

 

  • Is COVID-19 spreading at your destination? 
  • Do you live with someone who’s at risk of contracting a severe version of this illness?
  • Are you someone who’s at risk of contracting a severe version of this illness?
  • Are there any travel requirements or restrictions for travelers at your destination?

 

Answering these questions is crucial toward preparing yourself for a potential COVID-19 contraction and for figuring out whether or not travel is safe in the first place. No matter what, taking precautions is necessary for limiting your chances of exposure, so when you go out make sure to wear your mask over both your mouth and nose; keep to social distances by staying at least six feet away from people not part of your household; wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol; avoid anyone who’s sick; and refrain from touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

 

The next thing you need to do is consider your mode of transportation. Unfortunately, taking safety precautions yourself doesn’t guarantee that others will do the same, since everyone else needs to practice these same steps to limit the risk of contracting COVID-19 for everyone. Some of these precautions are more difficult to abide by when using public transportation or stopping at a rest stop, however, such as the social distancing rule. 

 

You can’t stay six feet away from people when on an airplane, after all. To reduce the amount of exposure you come across, figure out what precautions travel companies are taking before purchasing a ticket, and keep everything you come in contact with as sanitary as possible.

 

After you’ve finished traveling, you may feel perfectly fine, but that doesn’t mean you’re not asymptomatic. Follow your local guidelines or requirements for what to do after traveling, and make sure to, as always, stick to the recommended precautions. If you feel it necessary, isolate yourself for fourteen days after you return home to wait out the virus’ incubation period, and be cautious when participating in high-risk activities or coming in contact with high-risk people.