By Diego A. Sanchez, CSP, ASP, CHST, OHST

As we come closer to the holidays, many of us are thinking about traveling and visiting relatives and friends. After so many months of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, we are clear of the risks associated with the virus. It is important to remember that traveling during a pandemic increases your chances of contracting and spreading the virus. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends staying home to minimize the risk of getting infected with COVID-19. If you are sick, please do not travel.

If you are planning on traveling during this holiday season, and as business traveling is also increasing, here are some preventive measures you can take to reduce the chances of getting infected. Before traveling, check your destination to see if there are any travel restrictions, and see if you are traveling to an infectious hot spot.

During travel, wear a mask; this includes any transportation hub such as airports, trains, and bus stations. Remember to stay at least 6 feet away from everyone else to the best extent possible, and wash your hands after touching or handling items during travel; if washing your hands is not feasible, use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.

Considerations for:

Air Travel:

Air travel requires spending time in security lines and airport terminals, bringing you in close contact with other people and frequently touched surfaces. An option available to all is taking advantage of TSA Pre-Check, where checking thru TSA is expedited. However, please know that there is a cost involved with this option. Most viruses and other germs do not spread easily on flights because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes. However, social distancing is difficult on crowded flights, and sitting within 6 feet of others, sometimes for hours, may increase your risk of getting COVID-19. Some airlines are leaving empty rows to assist with social distancing, but as traveling has become more prevalent, this is not always the case. Check with the airlines before you book your flight if this is of importance to you in making your airline choices. It is important to reiterate that some, if not all, airlines are requiring passengers to wear a mask in the airplane during the entire travel time. Avoid any inconveniences and wear your mask properly during flight. Passengers have been removed from flights for refusing to wear a mask, so do the right thing to protect yourself and others and follow all instructions from the flight crew.

Bus or Train travel:

Traveling on buses and trains for any length of time can involve sitting or standing within 6 feet of others, which may increase your risk of getting COVID-19. Again, follow the same guidelines recommended; avoid touching surfaces, maintain proper social distance, and practice hand hygiene.

Car travel:

Although it may seem safer to travel in your own vehicle, remember that the risk increases every time we stop along the way for gas, food, and bathroom breaks. This can place you in close contact with other people and frequently-touched surfaces.

Regardless of how you travel, remember that the risk increases, and it is up to you how to minimize or reduce the risk. Take the necessary precautions to protect yourselves and your family during traveling.

Sponsored by: The Florida Chamber Safety Council