How to Stay Safe On Your Travels During Covid
As lockdown is eased in the UK, life is gradually going back to normal (though not 100%) with the reopening of shops, restaurants, and other services such as barbers. Some people are now booking holidays, and tourist attractions are slowly coming back to life…
Although the risk of catching Coronavirus is lower than what it was during lockdown, there are still precautions you need to take so the good work everyone has done isn’t ruined. This is to protect yourself, those around you, and the NHS. The virus is still out there, hence why social distancing measures are still in place. In this post, I’m going to share with you my advice on how you can keep yourself safe when you go out travelling.
Getting Around
1. Getting to your destination on public transport
Obviously, not everyone drives so some will have to get public transport. Ideally, you should only use public transport to get to and from from your destination. Once you arrive there, it is a good idea to get around on foot or cycle.
When ordering train tickets, use a website or app such as thetrainline.com, so it saves the hassle of having to buy your ticket at the station. However, if you do have to go to the train station to buy a ticket, only touch the screen and PIN pad with one hand, and sanitise straight after using it.
When on the train or bus, avoid touching any of the railings or arm rests. Although public transport cleaning has become more rigorous, it is still important to take precautions.
2. Once at your destination, try and get around on foot or cycle
While the Government have now said it’s safe to get public transport, they are still encouraging people to walk or cycle first.
It is a good idea to get around on foot or cycle so you can safely go sightseeing. This way, you can also spend more time looking at the different landmarks you will come across. Some cities are quite small, so it’s quite easy to walk around, without the need to get on buses.
3. Use card, preferably contactless. Avoid carrying or using cash
Cash is disgusting, especially with all the different germs and viruses you’ll find on it. Since the pandemic, it has become even more disgusting. That’s why its better to not carry cash or cheques on you, and instead use card or contactless. I emphasise using contactless as its quick and simple. With card, you must use the PIN pad, which can be disgusting too. If you do have to use a PIN pad, do not touch your face or personal belongings until you have washed your hands.
Social Distancing When Out Travelling
4. Stay 1m+ (preferably 2m) away from people outside
Follow one- way systems and listen to all advice given, be it signs or from people. Be considerate of others, such as giving way and not getting too close to people.
5. Wear face coverings in enclosed public spaces and public transport
It’s the law, and if you don’t, you risk being denied entry or a fine of up to £1000. Please don’t get into a situation where that £10 journey ends up becoming a £1000 journey. It really isn’t great…
It is advisable to always carry your mask with you, and wear it in crowded places too, even if that’s outside. If you are meeting people from other households, you should all wear masks. You can find some masks here, or make your own:
6. Avoid crowded spots and enclosed spaces as much as you can
If an area is too busy, avoid it and come back later. Some tourist spots are quite quiet now, so it is safe to go to them, but obviously maintain caution.
You should also try and avoid going into enclosed spaces such as shops and museums frequently. It is better to stay outside for most of your trip. Some public attractions such as museums and art galleries are still closed. Rather than going to city centres, there are lots of green spaces and public parks you can go to instead.
7. When you go outdoors, avoid touching stuff unnecessarily
Avoid touching things when you go outdoors or into public places. This includes pressing traffic light buttons, using door handles, PIN pads, and railings on public transport. If you do need to use press traffic light buttons or open a door, you should not touch anything else until you have washed your hands or used sanitiser. That obviously includes your face, but also your phone or any of your other personal belongings.
General Hygiene
Hygiene is one of the most basic and important ways to prevent the spread of Coronavirus and other viruses. Therefore, it is paramount to develop good habits now.
8. Use sanitiser/ wash your hands for 20 seconds plus
This is the most basic thing everyone can do! Wash hands after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after touching anything when you go outdoors. Most facilities including shops will have sanitiser dotted everywhere, so use it!
Sanitiser must have AT LEAST 60% alcohol content in it.
9. Wipe down gadgets regularly using anti- bacterial wipes.
This includes your phone (especially your phone!), tablets, and computers. It is a good idea to wipe your laptop down once a week, and your phone at least every other day using anti- bacterial wipes.
You can find some good deals on wipes here:
10. Clean surfaces such as tables regularly using antibacterial spray
Dettol spray is particularly effective. Spray on surface and leave for 30 seconds or more so its antibacterial properties work. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down after, then wash it thoroughly using warm water afterwards.
You can find some good deals on antibacterial spray here:
https://www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/291265108
11. Sneeze/ Cough into flexed elbow, NOT INTO YOUR HAND
Coughing/ sneezing into your hand is not the correct technique and its disgusting, as you are transmitting germs onto the surfaces you touch afterwards.
12. Take your shoes off when going into your home and other households
When entering someone’s house, you should take your shoes off at the entrance or in the porch to stop dirt from outside coming into the house. It’s a good idea to use a shoe rack to keep your shoes there, if you don’t want to leave them by the door.
I hope this advice was useful, and now you can hopefully enjoy safer trips out. If I’ve missed anything or you feel that there’s something I can add, feel free to comment below. Remember, although cases in the UK are falling, we still have to remain vigilant as the virus is still out there. STAY ALERT, CONTROL THE VIRUS, SAVE LIVES…