The Covid-19 pandemic is here since 2019 and it seems like we are not getting rid of it anytime soon. Having said that now people are trying to adapt to the new normal and continue to live their life like usual with precautions included. Traveling is one of the major concerns for many families as there was a complete travel ban across the world. Even if the airlines were working, the international and even national borders were closed in most parts of the world. Now that everything is opening up, people are considering to travel to see family mostly. However, parents with little children or special needs children are confused about what to do. Children under the age of vaccination bracket are still at risk. Following are some safety tips that you can follow while traveling with unvaccinated children.
People you come in contact with
Try to stay close within a family bubble and avoid coming in contact with other people. Or if you absolutely have to, maintain a 6ft distance. Coming in contact with vaccinated people is not as risky but you can’t differentiate between vaccinated and unvaccinated people. So it is better to avoid it altogether for safety concerns.
Accommodation
If you are not traveling to see family, you won’t have family accommodation. In that case, make sure that the place you are choosing is following strict SOPs. Now, most of the places have made it a requirement for fully vaccinated staff, so you can double-check at the time of booking. Keep disinfectant spray with you and sanitize the regularly touched surfaces first thing. These include doorknobs, table tops, bed corners, chairs, remotes, and keys, etc.
Mode of transportation
The mode of transportation is also an important factor to consider when traveling with unvaccinated children. Train and bus travels are usually quite stretched which gives a lot of time to come in contact with multiple people and commonly touched surfaces. Air travels are usually quicker and the ventilation system in an airplane does not allow cross-contamination and limits the chances of virus spread. However, the flights are usually fully booked and it is hard to maintain the 6ft distance from others. Secondly, there are long lines at the counters and luggage collection so that is another risky time. Road trips by personal car are the best solution for within-country as you have more control. Flights with layovers are also risky.
Food
Carrying your own food is a wiser option during such times. Even though the spread of virus isn’t possible via digestive tract but it is better to limit down contact. Children under 12 cannot be yet vaccinated so it is better that they take all the necessary precautions. Airplanes provide food and it is okay to eat. However, if you are traveling via road and need to make food stops own food is better. Dining out at a restaurant is highly risky and there will be a lot of people and surfaces that could be dangerous.
Traveling for leisure
If you are traveling for a fun vacation within same country or even city it is much safer. Since your mode of transport will be your own car or a rented car with your own family members. Camping with your own family is absolutely safe and everyone can enjoy. However, camping in groups should be with vaccinated people and with masks at all times. Similarly beach is okay to visit since it is open air and everyone is not close. There is also a lot of space to maintain safe distance and you can enjoy without worrying constantly. Resorts can be risky but with proper SOPs and sanitizing you can have fun. Maintaining a safe distance with other families and avoid buffet breakfast and dinner will do the job.
