Many people who have already planned a holiday or are planning a holiday wonder:can I still go on holiday because of the Coronavirus? Concerns about the spread of COVID-19 cast a lot of doubt on holiday plans.
COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that originated in China in late December and is making its way around the world. So, with bacteria in mind, is your vacation worth the risk?
We've put together a handy checklist to help you make the best choice for you and your family. If your answer matches the answer to each question below, move on to the next question. If not, carefully consider whether you need to travel.
To travel, or not to travel
- Are the travelers healthy? Yes
- Have travelers received flu shots? Yes
- Do any of the travelers or with whom the travelers come in contact have any underlying high-risk conditions (eg:mother, who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)? No
- Are there any travel restrictions for your destination listed on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs page? No
- Is the trip a cruise? It is not recommended. No
- Are there significant post-travel events that would be problematic if you and the travelers were quarantined for a period of time? No
- Would fear during the holidays ruin the trip for you? No
- Are you reasonably able to take common preventive measures (for example:wash hands, keep hands away from face, etc.) while travelling? Yes
- Would your regrets be manageable if you or a family member got COVID-19? Yes
If you have successfully completed the checklist and decide to start your vacation, here are some tips:
- Wear hand sanitizer gel with at least 60% alcohol. Experts say hand washing with plain old soap and water is always best, but hand sanitizer is a good choice for on the go.
- Wash your hands as often as you can.
- Don't touch anything you don't have to. Because the virus is transmitted by droplets, it is critical to keep your hands away from surfaces that can carry the virus.
- Don't touch your face!
- Only wear a mask if you are sick, or if the person sitting next to you is coughing, such as on an airplane. Otherwise, masks are largely ineffective and many people defeat the purpose by incorrectly taking them off and putting them back on. People also tend to touch their face more to adjust the mask.
- Stay informed by consulting the travel reports and travel advice of the RIVM.
