It’s nearly time to kick back and relax with a few upcoming off days this long weekend. If you and your family decide to break away, always keep in mind that the COVID-19 pandemic is still upon us, and we should all do the best we can to keep ourselves and each other safe.
Here are a few ways in which we can minimise the risk of spreading the virus while travelling to our favourite holiday destinations according to the CDC and World Nomads.
- Check the latest travel restrictions before you go to make sure travelling is within the law.
- Wear a mask over your nose and mouth when in public settings. Masks are required on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation in South Africa.
- Avoid crowds and stay 2 meters (about 2 arm lengths) away from anyone who did not travel with you. It’s important to do this everywhere — both indoors and outdoors.
- Wash your hands often or use a hand sanitiser (with at least 60% alcohol).
- Bring extra supplies, such as masks and hand sanitiser.
- Avoid contact with anyone who is sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Camping is a good option – just in case hotels/motels/hostels aren’t offering the most COVID-safe facilities.
- Check your accommodation online first: Are there COVID-safe processes in place to keep visitors safe? If not, look elsewhere.
- Wipe down hotel surfaces or seats and facilities before using them.
- Avoid crowded spaces and malls, or events and gatherings with large numbers of people. Go for open spaces and fresh air in nature!
- Pre-book all campsites if you can – this gives parks an idea on the volume of visitors, and it might be mandatory under new regulations.
- If you feel sick at all when returning home after travelling, contact all the places you stayed at or visited so they can inform other visitors.
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