By the end of 2019, China experienced the epidemic of Novel Coronavirus, a large group of viruses, that results in cold, the flu and respiratory illnesses. Although it started in Wuhan, also known as the epicenter of COVID-19, the virus spread all over the country infecting a number of people and causing multiple deaths each day.
However, in the first few months of 2020, the Coronavirus reached other countries as well. Due to its highly communicable nature, the virus can easily transfer from an infected person to healthy individuals as well as from surfaces to healthy individuals. As per the current status, COVID-19 has already affected 180 countries around the globe with Italy, Iran, Spain, Germany and USA leading the list after China. This means, now it’s pandemic.
Currently, nearly 845,749 have got infected with Coronavirus with more than 40,000 fatalities across the world. The virus is spreading like a wildfire with no particular treatment option and vaccination available. In such a situation, the government of each country and province is handling the situation with just precautionary measures. They have even imposed international and in some places even domestic travel bans and lockdown their respective country to restrict any entries by foreign nationals.
Travel advise for people who’re traveling overseas
The World Health Organization has recommended people to avoid traveling overseas, especially to highly affected areas by the Coronavirus, if it’s not important. The virus is highly contagious, this means it easily can transfer from an infected person to healthy people. Basically, there are two major ways that the virus can spread, including:
By having close contact with an infected person via respiratory droplets And by coming touching objects and surfaces touched by an infected individual
However, due to any reasons, if your international travel can’t be canceled, then you should visit a travel clinic in your area to learn about precautions you need to take during your foreign trip. Depending on the destination you’re traveling to, the travel clinic doctor will offer you the right guidance to stay protected. Apart from this, you can also visit the WHO and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites. In this post, we will explain some essential recommendations by WHO for international travelers.
Here are recommendations of international travelers by the World Health Organization If you’re planning to travel abroad, especially the highly affected areas, but you’re sick, then it is prudent for you to cancel your trip. This is a crucial consideration for elderly travelers and people who already have any underlying health conditions or chronic diseases, as they are at higher risk of getting infected with the coronavirus.
The following are some general recommendations for people traveling abroad no matter whether their destination is a highly affected area or not. These include:
Travelers are required to maintain proper personal hygiene, especially after getting in contact with respiratory secretions. When it comes to hand hygiene, it involves washing hands using soap and water for 20 seconds or cleaning hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Please remember, when your hands are visibly soiled, you should use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. On the other hand, for visibly soiled hands, go for soap and water.
Whenever you sneeze or cough, cover your mouth as well as your nose with a tissue paper while having a flexed elbow. Don’t forget to immediately dispose of the tissue and wash your hands.
Avoid touching your nose and mouth, especially when your hands are not washed.
You are required to wear a medical mask only when you exhibit symptoms, as there is no evidence that wearing a mask can protect you from catching the Coronavirus. However, if you wear it, make sure you follow best practices about how to wear, remove and discard.
The bottom line
Doesn’t matter whether you’re traveling inside or outside the country, practicing general recommendations are of utmost importance. These include personal hygiene, maintaining a distance of one meter from an infected person or anyone showing symptoms, and cough as well as sneeze etiquette.