As a grandmother of three I have honored our medical and scientific experts and stayed at home, remaining healthy but craving my grandmother playtime. Now that I am fully vaccinated and able to book a plane ticket, I am committed to learning how to do to it safely.
Air travel, so say the medical and air transportation experts, can be quite safe. Essentially, it’s the mandated and strictly enforced mask wearing and the high quality of air ventilation that provides us with this needed protection.
If you decide air travel is worth your risk, follow these tips while traveling:
- Wear a mask at all times, around others both inside and outside.
- Maintain handwashing practices.
- Avoid crowded areas, inside and outside, most especially when others are mask-less.
- Learn and follow all local health department requirements and recommendations.
- Pack plenty of well-fitting masks and hand sanitizer.
- Remain alert to crowds, such as within the airport, finding ways to avoid contacts. Staying cautious will continue to reduce your risk of exposure and potential transmission.
- Consider obtaining and wearing a medical-quality face mask, such as an N95. Otherwise, consider double-masking while traveling.
- While permitted, consider limiting or eliminating eating and drinking during your airplane flight.
- Seek ways to further reduce your risk of exposure. Can you be picked up at the airport rather than hiring a ride, for example?
Keep in mind that this guidance is meant to be self-interpreted, based upon your individual health status and that of those you will be visiting. Medical experts and the Centers for Disease Control are unable to specifically outline each person’s best advice. Make your decision after reviewing these guidelines and discussing your personal needs and risk with your healthcare provider.