Down with COVID during an international trip 7 important tips to keep in mind for safety and changing travel plans
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Down with COVID during an international trip? 7 important tips to keep in mind for safety and changing travel plans

Here’s what to do if you test positive in the midst of your vacation

It’s been almost five years since the coronavirus (temporarily) shut down all forms of travel. You no longer have to carry a negative COVID test as a requirement to venture overeas, although by now it’s safe to assume that those who chose to get vaccinated have already taken their most advanced dose. While the fad of ‘revenge travel’ seems to have ebbed, the global tourism sector witnessed a mammoth boost, with 1.1 billion tourists travelling internationally within 2024’s first nine months itself, according to UN Tourism. This includes over 15 million Indian nationals, who travelled to foreign countries within the first half of the year.

With the holiday season upon us, the percentage of globetrotters exploring various continents is set to rise even more. However, these peak travel weeks are when people are most susceptible to a host of contagious viruses and infections that can be caught from fellow travellers. COVID, especially, still ranks at the top of this list in terms of concern and preparation, since most countries still require you to isolate yourself if you test positive. So what do you do if you get COVID in the midst of your overseas vacation? Here are some tips to help you protect your health and safety, while minimising disruptions to your plans.

Down with COVID during an international trip? 7 important tips to keep in mind for safety and changing travel plans

1. Inform your travel pals

You may be tempted to shrug off your test result by thinking of COVID like a common cold, or a harmless virus. However, if history is anything to go by, you know how contagious this disease can be. The first order of business, once you test positive, is to inform your travel partners so they can keep their distance and stay safe, and/or alter their vacation plans.

2. Follow local guidelines

The next step is to isolate yourself immediately. According to the latest advisory by the Centre of Disease Control, you can leave room quarantine 24 hours after your fever has subsided and overall symptoms have significantly improved. However, it’s prudent to wait until you test negative.

If you’re forced to venture into public spaces during your travel, limit your time outside and maintain a safe distance from passersby. You should also check out the local government regulations on isolation periods and procedures (since various countries have differing guidelines for the number of days in isolation).

3. Keep a check on your symptoms

Even if your symptoms seem mild, keep an eagle-eye on your temperature and saturation levels through the day. Since you’re mid-travel, you may not have packed tools like thermometers and oximeters in your luggage, in which case, you need to request someone in the hotel or Airbnb, or your travel buddy, to fetch these for you.

4. Look up medical facilities in your area of travel

It’s always a good idea to do a quick search on the medical facilities available in your area, like local hospitals, nursing homes and doctors’ private chambers, in case your symptoms start to worsen and you need professional help.

5. Keep a mask on at all times

Considering you’re travelling overseas and are holed up in a hotel room or an Airbnb, you’ll need to leave the premises to buy some food, water and other essentials. To this end, make sure that you’re masked up with an N-95, a high-quality mask that’s readily available in most pharmacies, each time that you step out.

6. Get travel insurance

Don’t skimp on the travel insurance! Make sure you purchase the same when you’re booking your flight tickets, because it typically covers medical expenses for COVID, as well as extended stays due to illness. Contact your insurance provider for guidance on what to do next.

7. Cost-effective extended stay

If you’re down with COVID in the midst of your overseas trip, you’ll probably need to extend your stay. To this end, check with both your airline and hotel/AirBnb management to understand if they can issue refunds or charge a minimal amount for changing travel dates.

The author: admin

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