Precautions to take when traveling this holiday season

The holiday season is quickly approaching, and it’s safe to say that we could all do with a much-deserved break after this difficult year. Unfortunately, COVID-19 does not need to take a break, that’s why it is of utmost importance to take precautions if you are indeed going to travel this December.

As individuals inevitably move around the country, chances are likely that the virus will also travel and lead to even more cases of infection, which could then lead to another travel ban between provinces. Examples of this are already beginning to take shape, with areas like the Nelson Mandela Bay region, in the Eastern Cape, along with the Garden Route in Cape Town being declared as hotspots for infection.

To ensure you are as safe as possible throughout the December period and going into 2021, Chief Operating Officer and Chair of the COVID-19 Co-ordinating Committee at UCT, Dr Reno Morar, has laid out a set of precautionary guidelines to follow if you are planning to travel.

1. Always wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose when you are in a public space, including minibus taxis, buses, trains or airplanes.
2. Keep adequate hand sanitiser in the vehicle and use it regularly whenever going into a public space.
3. When travelling, try keeping one or more windows slightly open to allow for good ventilation in the vehicle.
4. Avoid crowded public spaces or beaches. If you must visit these places, keep your mask on at all times, sanitise your hands regularly, maintain a physical distance of at least 1.5m from others and ensure that your loved ones do the same.
5. Avoid using public toilets if possible. Use hand sanitiser both before and after using a public toilet.
6. Avoid going to restaurants that serve buffet meals.
7. Do not use public drinking fountains. Only drink water or other beverages from your own container and do not share with others.

As of December 8, South Africa has 817,878 positive COVID-19 cases identified, with 745,750 recoveries and 22,249 deaths.

Picture: Pixabay

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