The coronavirus is all over the news. At JohnnyJet.com we’ve already posted three stories about it, on the basics of staying safe from coronavirus, how to track it, and whether it should affect your travel plans:
- Coronavirus: Should I Cancel My Trip to Asia?
- Track the Spread of the Coronavirus With This Amazing Tool
- How the Coronavirus Outbreak Should Affect Your Travel Plans
Meanwhile, the number of reported cases continues to rise. At the time of this writing, the tally is above 8,200, with the number of deaths at 171 (use this Johns Hopkins University tool for the most current numbers). Though much is still not known about the coronavirus, and though the U.S. secretary of health and human services said this week that “at this point Americans should not worry for their own safety” (he also called it a “potentially very serious public health threat”), it’s reasonable to be thinking about precautions you can take to limit your risk of exposure. Especially if you’ll be traveling (to Asia, through an airport or just at all). It’s already cold and flu season in the Northern Hemisphere, so why not lean into healthy habits?
To help out, Allianz Global Assistance (as a reminder, I’m an Allianz brand ambassador) went to Lori Calavan—a PA and senior medical consultant for Allianz—for tips that travelers, travel agents, etc., can use while traveling in the near future. Lori’s five tips drew from her experience working and coordinating with unwell passengers for Allianz in addition to her medical training (Allianz handled 706 medical transportations from 97 countries for seriously injured or ill customers in 2019).
Here are her tips for staying safe from coronavirus, the flu and the common cold, as shared by Allianz:
1. Use proper hand hygiene
According to the CDC, “hand hygiene is the most important measure to prevent the spread of infections.” Use soap and water, especially when your hands are visibly soiled, or an anti-microbial alcohol-based sanitizer.
2. Wipe down common areas
On an airplane, wipe down common areas (tray tables, seat backs and arm rests) with anti-microbial sanitizing wipes.
3. Practice proper respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette
Cover your mouth when coughing and cover your nose if you sneeze. If you are coughing when you travel, use a mask. Protect yourself and others around you. Dispose of any used tissues and wash/sanitize your hands after using any tissues.
4. Do not travel if you are ill
When fighting illness, you are susceptible to other disease processes and people around you (especially the very young, very old and immunocompromised people around you) are susceptible to your infection.
5. Reconsider your travel plans if you are going to an area of concern
The CDC has advised travelers to reconsider trips to China and many travel suppliers are waiving penalties for changing or canceling trips to certain cities there. Travelers may want to take advantage of the opportunity to postpone their trip until Coronavirus has been contained.
Disclaimer: Johnny Jet works as an ambassador for Allianz Global Assistance (AGA Service Company) and receives financial compensation.
For more information about Allianz Global, visit AllianzTravelInsurance.com.
