Need to travel during the COVID-19? Protect yourself and others with these precautions.

Are you considering rescheduling travel that you put off because of coronavirus disease 2019? Maybe you have work or family obligations that require you to travel. Yet worries about safe travel and lodging are holding back. Get the facts about your travel options and learn how to protect yourself if you must travel.

• Maintain a distance of 6 feet ( 2 metres) between you and others as much as possible
• Avoid crowds
• Wear a cloths face covering
• Avoid touching your eyes nose and mouth
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Clean your hands often- if soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol

Travel and other restrictions can vary from state to state. Save yourself unpleasant surprises and delays by checking for restrictions at your destination and anywhere you might stop along the way.

Because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes, most viruses don’t spread easily on flights. However, crowded flights make social distancing difficult. Plus air travel involves spending time in security lines and airport terminals, which can bring you in close contact with other people.

• Wear a mask, and practice social distancing
• Food items should be transported in a plastic bag and places in a bin for screening. Separating food from carry-on bags lessens the likelihood that screeners will need to open bags for inspection
• Personal items such as keys, wallets, and phones should be placed in carrying on bags instead of bins
• Each traveler may have one container of hand sanitizer up to 12 ounces in a carry on bag

Air travel might not be for you. You may prefer to drive, which also gives you more control over your environment. You’ll still need to be smart about any stops you make, but that just takes some planning.

• Plan to makes as few stops as possible, but stop riving if you become drowsy
• Be sure to pack cloth face masks and alcohol-based hand sanitizer in an easily accessible spot so that you can use them during the trip as necessary
• Prepare food and water to take on the trip. Consider including nonperishable items to tide you over in case access to restaurants and grocery store is limited
• Pack cleaning supplies, including a disinfectant and disposable gloves, if you’ll be staying at a hotel or other lodging
• When you need to get gas, use a disinfectant wipe on handles or buttons before you touch them. After fueling use hand sanitizer. And when you get to where you’re going, use soap and water to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds
• If you choose to pick up a meal on the road, go for the option that offers drive-thru or curbside service

If you travel by bus or train, be aware that sitting or standing within 6 feet ( 2 meters) of others for a prolonged period can put at a higher risk of getting or spreading the coronavirus. Follow the precautions outlined above for protecting yourself during travel.

The hotel industry recognizes that travelers are concerned about the coronavirus and safety.

Some best practices include:

• Enhanced cleaning of public areas, elevators, guest rooms, as well as food preparation and laundry areas

• Social distancing measures in the lobby, at the front desk and in parking areas

• Masking of staff and guests