The Covid-19 pandemic has taken over the world. This health monster has affected every sector including, the health and political spheres. The emergence of the deadly Omicron coronavirus variant has worsened the situation prompting several countries to reintroduce strict restrictions. Some have opted for a Zero-Covid-19 policy affecting several airline service providers that have been forced to cancel several flights due to the travel advisories fuelled by Omicron. Due to this inconvenience, here are five questions you should ask yourself as you prepare for your next trip.
Should I travel or not?
The first decision you should make is whether you want to proceed and travel or postpone it to a later date. If you are in the high-risk group, cancel your trip. This decision should be your choice if you are over 60. Secondly, avoid traveling if you do not have immunity from a previous infection. The same should apply if you are not fully vaccinated.
Anyone with an underlying health condition or has a chronic illness must not risk traveling. Study the situation in the region you plan to tour. The information gathered should include border entry requirements and the transmission rate. It is wise to have at your fingertips travel advisories at both ends of your journey.
Which precautions should I adhere to during the trip?
If you decide to travel, you must understand the precautions that you must follow while on transit. The universal precautions are avoiding poorly ventilated environments, washing your hands regularly using running water and soap, always wearing a mask, and maintaining a healthy distance.
There are possibilities that traveling will force you to be in poorly ventilated places and in proximity to others. You might find yourself in confined, crowded, or closed environments that increase the risk of getting Covid-19.
Should I get the immunity certificate or be screened?
Some of the compulsory travel requirements are an immunity certificate and COVID screening. Kindly understand specific directives operating where you are traveling from and the demands of your destination.
We have nations that only need SARS-CoV-2 infection proof while others demand complete vaccination. SARS-CoV-2 infection proof can be a documented quarantine or testing. However, remember that you are required to continue observations of general precautions even if you are vaccinated. All need to avoid crowds, wear a mask, maintain a set distance, and wash your hands regularly.
Some countries have screening requirements when leaving or entering their territory. You might be subjected to some interviews, while others measure your temperature and other Covid-19 symptoms. They seek shortness of breath, cough, respiratory symptoms, and fever. Additionally, you will have to disclose if you had any recent interactions with COVID patients.
What happens if I get sick while traveling or after arriving?
There are chances that you can become ill while traveling or after arriving at your destination. You are advised to inform local health authorities about your situation. You are likely to be directed to start self-isolation or commence a 14-day quarantine.
Those you traveled with can be quarantined. Additionally, other passengers might be directed to do so.
What is the cost of the Covid-19 test at my destination?
You might be wondering how to estimate the cost of Covid-19 tests where you are visiting. There should never be exploitation because the International Health Regulations (IHR) are a section of international law that binds 196 countries. Based on IHR (2005), you should not pay for the following services.
- Health status examination.
- If there was no communication ten days before traveling, you are not supposed to be forced to vaccinate or use protective gear.
- Should not pay for quarantine or isolation facilities.
- Pay for certification at entry points after confirming steps you have taken to prevent yourself from infection.
In conclusion, it is your responsibility to keep yourself safe. You have to carry a hand sanitizer and wear a mask wherever you go. You also need to study all advisories at your point of departure and your destination. Your safety is the security of everyone around you. For the sake of your close associates and those you are traveling with, take all necessary precautions against Covid-19.
