Staying Safe Against Coronavirus

With the numerous emails I've received encouraging passengers to take advantage of cheap flights and the lowest prices on hotels and other forms of accommodation, it can be tempting to take advantage of these. Whether or not you decide to travel, it's important to make sure that you're protected against Coronavirus. There are numerous ways to do this, some more obvious than others, which protects both yourself and others around you. 

Should You Be Travelling?
Many people feel torn between feeling obliged to stay home and socially distance whereas others are travelling as they're being encouraged to boost the economy and restore faith in travelling. The UK currently advises the public that they may not have to self-isolate if they're travelling from countries, territories or regions on the travel corridor list. Airlines have proudly announced their new hygiene practices and making sure that they not only make the flights they offer as safe as possible but also making sure people feel as comfortable as possible while travelling. Additionally, airlines are now allowing passengers more flexibility with their bookings to reassure them that if their flight gets cancelled or the situation gets worse, they can reschedule or cancel their booking. 

Wearing A Face Mask
A face mask is one of the most important items that individuals should use since it's used to protect other people in case you are infected and vice versa. If you have the virus, then you prevent it from spreading to others when you speak to them as well as if you sneeze or cough in their vicinity. On the other hand, it prevents others spreading the virus if you're in a close proximity to them where social distancing cannot be implemented. For example, if you're on a train or bus that is busy where people are standing near each other rather than the 2 metre distance advised. 

Wash Your Hands & Have A Clean Environment 
Washing your hands is important regardless of the impact of the current virus but it should be followed even more because of this. After touching any surface, using the restroom, before and after preparing food as well as if you sneeze or cough, you should wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. However, if you're in an open environment where you cannot do this, then use hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol. The same principle applies to your home environment and anywhere else you will be staying - if you touch a surface after going out then you may unknowingly spread this. If you do want to travel then an airport or any other form of public transport would allow the virus to be easily spread since a lot of people can touch surfaces such as a handrail or button without thinking twice about it. 

Social Distancing
Social distancing is staying at least 2 metres away from another person who you don't live with or anyone who isn't in your support bubble. In most places social distancing will easily be seen by floor markings or signs displayed highlighting the 2 metre distance rule. Each establishment has their own limits regarding capacity and the amount of people that can enter at one time. For example, there may be staff counting the amount of people inside a store and allowing people entry once others leave to prevent overcrowding. People have also tried to avoid times in which social distancing is unavoidable such as during rush hour and large gatherings. 

Knowing The Symptoms
The Coronavirus symptoms are very similar to the flu as symptoms include a fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing as well as muscle pains or body aches. However, the main differences are that the symptoms of Coronavirus may include change in or loss of taste or smell as well as it could take longer to develop symptoms than if they had flu. In turn, if someone thinks they have the flu but unfortunately has Coronavirus, then they may go out and buy medicine but unknowingly spread the virus thinking that it's the flu. 
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More Information Regarding Coronavirus Can Be Found Here:

• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing-and-tracing/get-a-test-to-check-if-you-have-coronavirus/
• https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus
• https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public