• Ask a friend or family member to drive.
• Have good masks – suggest surgical masks rather than masks made from cloth to be used at all times – upon entrance to the airport, on the flight and when exiting the airport.
• Use hand sanitizer wipes (rather than gel) frequently.
• Try not to touch too many surfaces at the airport.
• At the airport, try to stay away from other people as much as possible. Especially – stay away from loud people (viruses spread more if a person is shouting or singing).
• Avoid using public bathrooms.
• Wearing gloves gives false security.
• Use bleach wipes on all surfaces when entering the plane.

• First flight of the morning is the safest.
• Choose an airline that follows social distancing guidelines – that is keeping the middle seat empty; not over-booking, and mandating mask use during the flight.
• Front of the plane is the safest. Allows one to board last and exit first – thus decreasing exposure to others.
• Or take seats in the back — but not too close to the bathrooms.

• Hand sanitizer wipes, surgical masks, bleach wipes for surfaces. TSA now allows hand sanitizer containers that are bigger than 3 ozs.
• Bring your own drinks and snacks for the flight.

If it is a long visit, staying with family may be safer – especially if you know that the family is healthy and following isolation guidelines.

Also, make sure the family’s home does not have airborne irritants — cigarette smoke, etc.
Hotels are safe as long as they are being cautious about their cleaning practices, requiring guests to wear masks in public spaces, allowing enough space for social distancing.

Despite all the precautions one takes, currently, in the US and in many countries around the world, the risk of exposure to COVID is there. That is why quarantining maybe necessary – both at the destination you are traveling to and after return.

Quarantining does not mean that you stay closed up in a room. Safe quarantining can be done by keeping in your pod/group, being self sufficient so that you do not have to go to or use public spaces and staying away from other people.

This year has been difficult. Mental stress levels have increased. Domestic violence, elder abuse, alcohol and drug use are increasing.

So, a person may need to travel. That person has to choose a location to travel to that can be reached safely.

And – decide about the mode of travel.

Although driving by car may be safer, a person with disabilities may not be able to drive for long hours.
Or the location one is traveling to – may be so far, that it may take 2 days to drive – requiring having to stay at a hotel or driving tired. This can also be dangerous.

Lastly, the person choosing to travel has to be responsible. They are knowingly putting themselves at risk of COVID exposure. They should not put others at risk because of their reason to travel. So – when deciding to travel, the traveler has to consciously think about the people the traveler will come into contact with, and think about how they can keep the other person safe.

Also, there are different COVID tests available. Generally, PCR tests are more reliable. Some rapid tests can be false negative.

Health authorities emphasize the importance of immunizations – especially immunizations against respiratory infections – influenza, pertussis, pneumonia.