When COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic in March 2020, one of the biggest industries to shut down was travel. Flights were cancelled, borders were closed, and airports became somewhat of a ghost town. For months, people either could not travel or were strongly urged to travel as infrequently as possible in order to reduce the spread of the virus across different cities, states, and countries.
As with most things related to the pandemic, information is constantly changing. While travel is now permissible, there are still regulations that need to be followed to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Before you plan any travel, you should be well informed on the safety measures put in place regarding travel.
It is also essential to be aware of your destination’s COVID situation. Some places around the world are still going in and out of lockdowns, so you will want to know this information before you plan a trip. Some countries may still advise against travel due to outbreaks of new variants.
Here are a few tips for travelling safely as we enter the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Testing
Before you travel anywhere, check the testing requirements that may be in place at both your destination and your home. If you are travelling internationally, you may be required to get a PCR test before your flight, whereas if you are travelling domestically, you may not.
If you need get tested at your destination before returning home, make sure you know where you can get tested, how long before the flight you need your results, and what type of test is required. For example, a COVID test for travel in Toronto is not required when travelling within Canada but is required when leaving the country.
Get Vaccinated
Before you travel anywhere, ensure you have received all your COVID vaccines. Not only does this protect you when travelling, but it will also protect the residents of the city you are visiting. Some countries require proof of vaccination to travel, so be sure to check your destination’s regulations regarding vaccination. Keep in mind that your vaccination status may change whether you need to get tested to travel.
You will also want to verify what your destination’s policies are on providing proof of vaccination to dine, visit attractions, and use public transportation.
Continue to Follow Safety Measures
If you are travelling, standard safety precautions are more important than ever to follow. This means wearing an approved mask like an N95 mask over your mouth and nose (check if your destination or the airline you’re flying has any specific mask requirements), washing your hands thoroughly and frequently, and practicing social distancing whenever possible.
Do Not Travel If…
You should not be travelling at all if any of the following apply to you:
- You are sick with COVID-19 or any other viral illness
- You have tested positive for COVID-19
- You are waiting to receive your results from a COVID-10 test
- You have been told by your local public health authority to quarantine