Reducing The Risk Of Contracting COVID-19 While Commuting

13 Oct 2020

Activity COVID Habits

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The last few months have been tough on the world. Everything came to a standstill with the COVID-19 outbreak. We were confined to the limits of our home with the lingering fear of a deadly virus out in the open. There is no sign of the virus disappearing, but the world had to restart in order to sustain itself.

As offices and businesses reopen, traveling becomes inevitable. If you are one of those who have to travel for work, you must be vigilant and take all the necessary precautions to avoid contracting the virus. Here’s what you can do to reduce the risks of getting infected and spreading the virus.

Staying Informed

Stay informed about the route, distance and time of your commute. If it’s going to be a short trip, you can choose public transportation with all the necessary precautions. If it is going to be a long journey, it is advisable to use private transportation options like cabs, or your private vehicles. It is also wise to keep a check on which routes you take. Avoid taking routes that pass through or connect to any containment zones. In addition to this, you might also find it helpful to check with local authorities regarding any changes to procedures, services and rules for movement in your and nearby locations .

Practice Social Distancing

Whether you’re boarding, have already boarded, or are leaving the vehicle, it is essential that you make sure to keep at least a 2-meter distance from your fellow passengers. Follow the government-issued rules and guidelines about the limit of people allowed in a certain space .

Avoid Touching Surfaces

Avoid touching surfaces like door frames, handles, windows, etc frequently. In circumstances where such contact is unavoidable, use sanitizer containing 60% alcohol to either sanitize the surface before touching it or sanitize your hands right after touching it. Also, avoid using free water bottles, magazines, etc. that may be provided to other passengers as well . Additionally, refrain from touching public spaces such as escalators, elevators, etc.

Sanitize And Disinfect

If possible, disinfect the seat and surroundings of any vehicle before boarding. Sanitize the seats, handles and doors of your private vehicle too, especially if it’s been parked at a public parking place.

Pay Online

Cash transactions can lead to COVID transmissions. To avoid this, it is ideal to pay online using e-banking or other mobile-wallet applications available these days. This will minimize your exposure and risk to infection as well as the other person’s .

Practice Hand Hygiene and Respiratory Etiquette

Wash or sanitize your hands before leaving your house and after reaching the destination . Avoid touching your face, eyes, and nose unnecessarily. While coughing, make sure you cover your face and nose.

Packing The Essentials

With your phone, keys and wallet, a couple of new essential items have been added to this list – masks, gloves and sanitizers. Make sure that you are using these correctly and not forgetting to pack them for your daily commute.

Avoid Traveling When You’re Sick

Avoid traveling if you’re sick, or have recently had close contact with a person infected. Especially avoid transport options that may put you in close contact with others such as public transportation, taxies, rickshaws, shared rides, etc .

Elizabeth Bangera

Armed with an MSc. in Food, Nutrition, and Dietetics, Elizabeth wears many hats and is skilled in everything from weight loss to diabetes and cardiac care management.