General Advice for Travelers – COVID 19

The cases linked with COVID-19 have been increasing day by day. And the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has issued a notice on 17th March 2020.

This is to advise everyone to avoid any non-essential visits and travel worldwide.

Although traveling is inevitable, avoiding it would be better to a large extent.

Advice for the Travelers

Flights to international destinations have been shut down by the government.

But still, if one has to travel in avoidable circumstances, follow sensible guidance before you prepare for the trip.

To reduce the risk of exposure, the following are the instructions:

• You must keep yourself up-to-date with all the official notifications that are issued by the country when you are traveling to and from the USA or any other destination affected by COVID-19. And you should be aware that many countries have temporarily shut down their international doors to prevent the spread of this pandemic further.
• In case you are traveling from the UK, you can go through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) foreign trade General advice to ensure a safe travel experience.
• You should also make sure that the travel tickets to India that you have bought contain travel insurance. Moreover, also note what all the insurance covers and how that can help you in adverse circumstances.
• Moreover, one shall consult the source from which the tickets were booked. These can be the airline ticket providers and other transport and accommodation providers to keep up-to-date with the itinerary and any change in the travel plans.

One must be aware and well prepared for the screening and monitoring that has been increased at the entry as well as the exit of the ports.

Here is what you can do during your travel:

• You must go through updated health recommendations and seek further General advice from the professionals. Check for the instructions from the nurse, travel clinics, and pharmacists.
• If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are above 60 years of age, it is advised that you stay at home.
• The use of face masks and sanitizers is recommended for all. However, soap and water cannot be replaced. Wash your hands at continuous intervals.
• Also, you should not touch eyes, nose, and mouth. This increases the chances of people catching the infection and the probability of viruses to enter your system.
• Isolation is the key. If you feel unwell, it is better to stay at home and not attend any work and school, leave alone traveling.
• Cover your face while you cough or sneeze. It lies the responsibility of everyone to save each other from the spread of this deadly pandemic.
• Use disinfectants to clean the surfaces of the home and frequently touched objects.

Even if you are using the facemasks, these security preventive measures are a must.

In case you have booked flights to India and are in a foreign land, you should seek local help and contact your travel insurance providers for further assistance and policy information.

In Case you meet any COVID-19 case in Foreign Land

Whether you have taken flights to India or any other travel destination, no place is completely safe when it comes to COVID-19.

One must strictly follow the local public health guidelines and ask for healthcare for further guidance.

In Case you Get Unwell Abroad

In the adverse circumstances, when you develop symptoms like cough, cold, sudden high temperature while you are traveling to India or any other international destination, you must do the following:

• Try and stay indoors as much as possible. Also, it is advisable to isolate yourself and not come in contact with anyone.
• Ask your health care providers and insurance agents for further assistance.
• Follow the guidelines issued in general Advice for the local public in the area.
• In case you get unwell just before boarding your international flight to India, do not start or continue the journey and seek medical assistance.

Ask for the say of your health care providers for travel-related plans even after complete recovery.

After Travel 

If anyone notices any flu-like symptoms after the completion of their journey like a new continuous cough, you should try and isolate yourself for seven days in general.

And in case you are staying with a family, every member shall be isolated for 14 days.

Prevention is better than cure. Follow good personal hygiene to prevent the spread of Novel Coronavirus without affecting your travel plans.