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Travelling during a pandemic might sound adventurous, but everyone planning to travel should take all precautions possible. While the hospitality business is doing everything possible to ensure optimal safety, the danger of catching a virus remains high. As a result, travellers must be well aware of the new normal and, if necessary, take additional steps to reduce the risks when travelling. Travellers should keep a few things in mind when reserving a hotel or staying there.
Understanding regional transmission rates in your destination is critical. If possible, stay away from locations where coronavirus infections are on the rise. Going to a hotel where the frequency and prevalence of illness are low will certainly be safer. However, there is no assurance. People come from all over the country and the world to stay in a hotel.
While you don’t have control over other people’s behaviour outdoors, you can make sure that the hotel you’ll be staying at ensures safety for all its visitors as well as employees. Find answers to these questions: Are masks mandatory? Will the hotel supply masks for those who do not have them? What are social segregation measures in place? Is there signage to inform visitors about the policies? Is there a supply of alcohol-based hand sanitisers around the hotel? How frequently are public spaces sanitised? Is contactless check-in available?
Check the hotel’s website to see what precautions they’re taking to safeguard visitors. If they have disclosed their safety measures on their website, it is a great sign. If you can’t find your answers online, call the hotel and ask directly – they should answer all of these questions.
Worst case scenario? Anyone can become ill unexpectedly. As you are away from your home, you are unsure about the situation. Rather than providing you tickets to the latest event, the concierge has to know where you can get your COVID test. You may check whether the hotel has any information on nearby medical services.
Even if masks or social distancing aren’t mandatory at the hotel you’re staying, all of the things you’ve been doing to safeguard yourself should be practised. Wear a mask and keep at least six feet away when in public places.
A study reveals that coronavirus can remain on surfaces like plastic and even on stainless steel for more than 72 hours. This implies that if the prior visitor slept in the room shortly before you checked in, there is a greater chance of catching the virus. Therefore, request a room that has been unoccupied for three days for optimal safety.
However, if hotel employees thoroughly clean the room between visits, you can happily check in and enjoy your stay.
Hotel staff sanitise rooms between guests, and they may go the extra mile and clean high-touch areas. You can make sure that touchpoints like doorknobs, TV remotes and switches are sanitised.
On a precautionary note, you can always bring your linens with you. You should be satisfied if hotels and other lodging facilities are clear about their procedures and make an additional effort to keep everything clean.
Don’t worry about the virus spreading through the HVAC system – at least for now. If that happens, it will be a minor mode of dissemination compared to not wearing a mask and maintaining a physical distance.
However, if your hotel room has windows (which many do not for safety reasons), you should allow the fresh air in. Because the danger of airborne transmission is greater in interior places with inadequate ventilation, opening windows and doors and increasing the amount of fresh air in the room is a good idea. Good ventilation can help lower the danger of coronavirus transmission.
If cleaning personnel wear a mask before entering your room, the virus is unlikely to spread to the air or surfaces. The true risk of exposure comes from being in close proximity. Having someone clean your room would offer no risk to you. However, there’s always the possibility that incorrect mask use — or no mask use — might result in the virus entering your room via the housekeeping staff. If it’s not a big deal for you, avoid seeking their help entirely.
Because you can’t eat or drink while wearing a mask, you’re better off ordering room service instead of going to the hotel’s restaurant and bar. Dining in your hotel limits your social interactions, so room service is better than going to a restaurant.
Are you still worried about engaging with the personnel while your dinner is being delivered? Staff may offer room service while remaining six feet away from you. However, for increased security, you can order a contactless delivery, wherein your food is placed outside your door.
Even though a hotel’s standard amenities might be open to guests, that does not imply you should use them. Getting individuals to wear masks at the gym will be difficult. And if they aren’t wearing masks and exercising aerobically, they will release even more respiratory secretions across longer distances. So, do avoid the gym.
Other amenities, such as a spa, might be considered individually. Going for a massage with a mask will reduce the risk of infections. However, there is always a danger when you’re in a scenario where you engage with other people. Before booking a session, make inquiries about the spa’s safety and sanitation practices.
In the end, you should measure the hazards of staying in a hotel against the chance of contracting the virus. Additionally, you should not travel if you have been ill or someone you live with has been sick or exposed to someone with COVID-19 two weeks before travel. Even if you are travelling, take the best measures possible to keep yourself secure and safe from the virus and enjoy your vacation.
Social distancing is one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of coronavirus. It would be best to keep a distance of at least one metre (3 feet) from persons coughing or sneezing.
Greece has announced that from May 1st, visitors will no longer need any vaccination proof. They are allowing anybody to visit the country with the right travel credentials.
The government issued a COVID vaccine certificate, assuring the recipient about the immunisation, the type of vaccine used, and the next vaccination due date. It also serves as proof to any entity that may request proof of immunisation, particularly in the case of travel. Vaccination protects people against disease and lowers their chances of transmitting it. As a result, a certificate may be required in the future for some types of social interactions and foreign travel.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has laid up a strategy to reopen the country. Fully vaccinated people from Australia or visa waiver countries such as the USA, UK, and Europe will be allowed to enter New Zealand. They have also mentioned that a self-test is necessary.
The COVID-19 virus is airborne, and it is not transmitted by water. However, when someone comes into intimate touch with an infected individual, the virus spreads.
While in the pool, stay away from people and maintain a 1-metre distance. Wear a mask when you’re not in the water.
