Dos And Don’ts To Remain Healthy During Air Travel

With several countries removing their travel and entry restrictions, more people are beginning to make travel plans. Although most countries have removed entry restrictions, the corona virus pandemic is far from over, and, if you intend to travel, you need to ensure your safety and that of others around you.

To ensure the safety of passengers, most airlines have put in place measures to curtail the spread of the virus and one of them is a mandatory private COVID test for travel near me. These safety requirements are always changing to suit the times. To avoid surprises, you need to check the official website of the airline you intend to use and travel destination for updates.

Bear in mind that travelling increases your chances of either contracting or spreading the coronavirus, so it is essential for you to adhere to safety tips from health experts. However, the risk of coronavirus spreading on an aeroplane is lower than in other places like supermarkets because of the type of ventilation system used.

This does not mean that aeroplanes are 100% safe, so adhere to the following health and safety tips if you want to stay healthy while travelling on a plane.

air travel

  • Wear the necessary PPE

Most airlines require passengers to wear their facemask before they can board their flight. This is a welcome development, but ensure that you also wear the mask at the airport and not just when you want to board your flight.

You could also wear a face shield for additional protection while you are on an aeroplane. The coronavirus spreads by touching your mucous membrane, and your eye is a part of the mucous membrane which a face mask does not protect, so wearing a face shield offers the needed protection for your eyes. It is better to get as much protection as you can, especially when you are travelling to a high-risk area.

Experts do not advise people to wear hazmat suits while travelling on an aeroplane, but if you feel comfortable wearing a face shield, there is no reason not to wear it.

  • Practice good hand hygiene

Washing of the hands thoroughly and frequently is one of the best ways to curtail the spread of COVD-19. Experts recommend that you wash your hands using soap and clean water for a minimum of 20 seconds, especially before you eat, after blowing your nose, sneezing or coughing, and after using the bathroom.

While travelling, wash your hands more often and if you cannot get water and soap, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser containing at least 60% alcohol.

  • Disinfect frequently touched surfaces

Before now, wiping down your personal space on an aeroplane seemed too much, but in this period of the coronavirus, health experts recommend it. Disinfecting surfaces helps you get rid of viruses and bacteria that can survive on these surfaces.

Ensure you have a disinfectant wipe to clean objects and surfaces on the aeroplane before you touch them.

  • Opt for a seat close to the window

Air travel is riskier in crowded flights, so ensure you maintain a distance between yourself and other people through the security check, while boarding the plane and getting your luggage.

Social distancing in an aeroplane may not be possible because most airlines are usually fully booked.  Even when the airline does not book passengers for the middle row, you would still be a few meters away from the people in front, behind and beside you.

Some experts may recommend that people book the window seat to ensure their safety because middle seat passengers may be at more risk of contacting several persons.

Although WHO confirms that there is a low risk of contracting the coronavirus on an aeroplane because planes have efficient filters in their ventilation system. You still need to be careful onboard and at the airport. When you board an aeroplane, try not to move around during the flight to avoid contact with several persons.

Ensure you get your private COVID test London before you travel because it is a requirement to board most flights. Call Blood London today on 020 7183 0244 to book an appointment for your PCR test London.

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