When traveling by plane, the fear of Covid-19 will always be present. With so many people crowded into the airport and then seated in a confined space, the fear is merited. New rules have been implemented by the government as recommended by the CDC. The key to ending the pandemic is that we all strive to do our part to decrease the spread so everyone can resume traveling peacefully.
You’ve probably already noticed the various measures now required for air travel. When you get to the airport, you’re asked to wear a mask at all times. You probably noticed the surface wipes handed to you by flight attendants, or even seen some airplanes use UV wands throughout the plane. The industry has been changing to protect everyone involved and it’s best we know how to adapt to these changes.
The Center of Disease Control (CDC) recently sent out a media statement on January 12, 2021. The statement has given specific requirements for International flight travel that went into effect on January 26, 2021. If you haven’t been made aware of these new requirements, now is the time to educate yourself before being denied boarding. There is a prerequisite to International flying that includes being tested at least three to five days before traveling and then you are asked to quarantine for at least seven days before resuming normal activities.
The hope of these practices is to ensure the safety of the travelers and to “safely build back tourism,” according to Peter Ingram, CEO of Hawaiian Airlines. However, while protocols are still being developed, it is really up to individual’s to travel cautiously. Taking precautions will make a major difference in protecting yourself and others while flying.
For more about the new CDC requirements, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/
Mayo Clinic has also released recommendations to help decrease the spread of Covid-19. For example, individuals can bring hand sanitizer up to 12 ounces in a carry-on bag but will need to be briefly tested during the security screening process. Also, food items should be brought out of bags for screening so that security doesn’t have to sort through your bags which could likely increase the spread of Covid-19 as their gloved hands touch thousands of items in a day while examining the contents of carry-on bags. Of course, Mayo also recommends the usual precautions, such as washing your hands with soap, social distancing, and wearing a mask.
For more recommendations from Mayo Clinic, visit: https://mayocl.in/3p53ReL
When it comes to the safety of ourselves and others, we are most responsible for ourselves and thus, have the greatest chance of controlling the spread of Covid-19 through effective personal precautions.