Domestic air services were restarted in India from May 25. As per airlines data, a total of 16 asymptomatic passengers on seven different flights including 13 of them who travelled by IndiGo have tested positive for COVID-19 since the resumption of domestic air services on Monday.
All the passengers who tested positive had observed all precautionary measures, including wearing face mask, face shield and gloves, like other travellers on the aircraft.
“The operating crew has been home quarantined for 14 days and we are in the process of notifying other passengers as per the government guidelines, to ensure safety of our passengers and staff,” according to a statement by IndiGo which gave details on the positive COVID-19 cases.
Coronavirus outbreak – Although the mortality rate of people affected with the COVID-19 appears to be quite low, it’s recommended to avoid travelling as much as possible to prevent any chances of infection. That’s because people may return from a trip without any symptoms of the Coronavirus or health issues, but they may still be infected and spread the virus to others.
So, unfortunately, it’s not completely safe or risk-free to travel during Coronavirus. So, what are the precautions you should take if you have to travel?
The following are some of the things to consider before you travel.
*A basic hygiene habit, washing your hands rigorously can curb the risk of infection spread. When you travel, you come in contact with a lot of places and things which can be a breeding house for germs. While many use a sanitizer, remember, they can only act as a backup and not replace the effectiveness of handwashing. It is recommended that you wash your hands under lukewarm (or hot) water for a minimum of 20-30 seconds to kill germs.
*Wash your hands frequently: This is undoubtedly the most important thing that you can do to minimise your chances of contracting the Coronavirus disease. Make sure that it’s not just a quick rinse with soap and water. You need to wash your hands for at least twenty to thirty seconds whenever you get a chance, especially after accessing public spaces or if you have taken a mode of public transport. If you took the flight to a place, wash your hands after leaving the airport.
Always keep a hand sanitizer gel with you. In case you don’t get access to soap and water, you put a few drops of the sanitizer gel and rub it on your hands and wrists. It is recommended to use a sanitizer with at least 60 per cent alcohol content. Make sure to clean your hands frequently and thoroughly.
Remember to avoid touching your face with unwashed hands: Avoid touching your face unless you haven’t thoroughly cleaned your hands and especially when you have been in a public place. It has been found that the novel coronavirus can stay on surfaces for hours after it has been touched by an infected person. It can easily spread to someone who comes in contact with the object through their mouth, nose and eyes.
Social Distancing: The symptoms of coronavirus disease are similar to that of common flu or cold. So, if you see someone is coughing, sneezing or has any common signs of flu, try to stay at least three feet away from that person. It’s possible to contract the virus through respiratory droplets by cough or sneeze.
Stay in a place with good hygiene and cleanliness: If you have to stay in a hotel during your travel, book a trusted place where you know hygiene and cleanliness is maintained. It’s always better to check-in with the hotel staff and management to ensure your room is thoroughly cleaned. You can also sweep frequently-touched objects with a disinfectant or cleaning spray yourself.
Avoid crowds: Crowds are the worst place to be during the Coronavirus outbreak. If you’re travelling to a place with a large number of Coronavirus cases, stay away from any place with a lot of people.
Wear a mask and seek medical help if you develop symptoms: If you develop the symptoms of the COVID-19, wear a mask so that you don’t further spread the virus and infect other people. Isolate yourself and seek medical help immediately.
Medical history: People with underlying medical conditions like a cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, hypertension, need to take extra precautions. in fact, experts say you need to avoid travelling. Also, people above 60 years of ago should avoid travelling.