Technologies In Travel Industry
Even though many restrictions are still being implemented, travel is slowly but steadily starting up again. We have been locked down for several months and we want to stretch our legs, see new things other than our screens, and of course boost the economy.
Restaurants and some other tourist attractions are opening again for local travelers. A few countries and regions are even starting to welcome international travelers too.
However, how can we safely explore and enjoy a world of potentially lethal encounters with people who might infect or expose you to the virus?
Is visiting a national park really possible while respecting social distancing rules? And even if we go for a seemingly safer road trip, can we even stop to use a public restroom?
UK airports rolled out thermal cameras
Airports and airlines across the United Kingdom are turning to body temperature surveillance cameras in order to reassure passengers and travelers they have measures in place to meet the challenges of the new coronavirus as they get ready to resume passenger flights.
Airports in the UK including Manchester, London City, and Heathrow claim that thermal camera scanners can help them identify travelers who may have COVID-19 by detecting passengers with a higher-than-normal body temperature as they walk through the airport.
A growing number of airports and airlines around the globe are letting travelers know that if they are actually found to have a higher-than-normal body temperature, they will indeed not be allowed to fly.
There are many experts who have highlighted the importance of scanning body temperatures at airports in order to increase safety levels, early detection of infected individuals, and also to encourage people to travel again.
These measures may be reassuring to citizens as the government opens up air corridors that will allow travelers to enjoy overseas holidays, after months of grueling lockdown.
Staying at hotels
The main concerns of travelers when it comes to staying at hotels are social distancing and trusting housekeeping. Hotels and other touristic accommodations that take better care of their cleaning staff and employees, simply by providing them with protective equipment as well as paid sick leave, are much more likely to take better care of you as a guest.
Double-check with the hotel or property you are considering to understand how they respond to the new coronavirus. Select hotels that base their protocols on science and evidence, rather than measures that sound good but have very little effect.
Consider these aspects before traveling again
Before booking any new travels, ask yourself the following questions:
- Is the new coronavirus spreading where you live or at the destination? The more cases in your community, the more likely you are to spread the new coronavirus during your travel.
- Are you part of a risk group for severe illness? Anyone can get the new coronavirus, but older people and individuals with certain medical conditions are at increased risk for serious illness.
- Do you live with someone who is part of a risk group for severe illness? In case you get infected with COVID-19during your travel, you are likely to spread the coronavirus to the members of your family or people you live with upon returning, even if you do not show severe symptoms.
Further visit: 9 Amazing Smart Travel Gadgets for Any Trip in 2020
Testing
Testing both before and after traveling does indeed reduce the risk of spreading the new coronavirus. By all means, consider getting tested one to three days before your travel beings.
Delay travel in case you are still waiting for the results. Keep with you a copy of the test results when you travel. After your trip, upon returning, consider getting tested once again.
Needless to say, in case you test positive, do stay home. Isolate yourself immediately and follow all the public health recommendations.
Things to keep in mind while traveling
- Avoid contact with individuals showing symptoms like coughing, shortness of breathing or fever
- Practice proper hand hygiene, this means sanitizing your hands very often with an alcohol-based disinfectant or just washing them thoroughly with water and soap
- If you need to cough or sneeze, be sure to cover your nose and mouth with your elbow or upper sleeve, then wash your hands thoroughly again.
- If you experience cough, shortness of breathing or fever, seek medical attention immediately.
