Taking precautions when travelling during Covid-19 might help you steer clear of the virus.
For the upcoming Khmer New Year break, many are planning a trip and holiday away, either with family or friends. Despite people taking the opportunity to travel within the Kingdom, people should still take extra precautions, as Covid-19 has not yet been eradicated, and being smart and safe while travelling can help keep you and your loved ones safe.
If you plan to travel in the upcoming break, there are some precautions you can take to minimise the risk of catching Covid-19.
Destination
- Choose a destination with ample large, open spaces – so there will be adequate fresh air, sunlight and, importantly, enough space to practice social distancing.
- Avoid crowded places as this can increase the risk of infection if you are in the vicinity of an infected person.
- It is important to keep at least 2 meters apart from one another, where possible.
- Before you book a guesthouse or restaurant, for example, do some research on their standard of service and their in-house preventive measures, to ensure hygiene and safety. For example, deep cleaning of the establishment and hand sanitizer made readily available.
- Try not to visit a remote area that might not have good phone service or working internet, because you might need to keep yourself up to date with the latest Covid-19 information.
Travelling
- Where possible, use your own means of transport, such as a car or bike, as this can help reduce the risk of catching the virus.
- If you do travel via public transportation, you should wear a mask at all times and clean any surfaces you use – such as a tray table – with alcohol-based products and disinfectants.
- You should try and select a transportation company that implements social distancing and keeps the vehicle clean.
- Lower any windows to let fresh air and sunlight in.
Restaurant
- Take precautions when you dine at a restaurant – you should wash your hands before entering and eating as well as after touching the menu.
- Select a restaurant with a self-service option, if possible.
- If you are only travelling for a day or two, cook and prepare your food beforehand, if possible – so as to stay away from potentially busy restaurants and reduce the risk of transmission.
Accommodation
- Study the place you are staying at and find out if they have preventive measures in place and whether they disinfect the room properly.
- Choose a clean, private room, refrain from staying in a hostel dormitory.
- If possible, you should select a room with a window, so there is sufficient sunlight and fresh air.
- Make a reservation, as the owner can clean the room in advance.
- Minimize room service and avoid common spaces.
- Pick an accommodation with a health center or hospital that is easy to reach.
Preparation
- Remember to pack the essentials to avoid purchasing goods on the road and increasing the risk of transmission en-route.
- Pack light,as it takes time to properly clean and disinfect your items.
- Bring with you enough alcohol-based products, hand sanitizers, masks and medications.
- Pack puzzles, dominos or UNO cards, in order to avoid large, outdoor activities as much as possible.
Traveling during Covid-19 can be very complicated; however, you should try to practise the aforementioned measures and follow the guidance from the Ministry of Health to ensure your safety when travelling during the Covid-19 pandemic. But, remember to have a good holiday, while travelling as safely as possible!
