The holiday session is approaching and many people choose to start taking some travel especially local Indonesian people that in-demand visit Bali. Travel in a normal session must be excited but travel during a pandemic is very challenging, right? But the critical question underlying is “is it safe to traveling during a Pandemic?”. The government in Indonesia through the Ministry of Health suggests that stay at home is the best choice in this situation. However, to keep the economical keep running they permit people to travel as long as everyone has a rapid-test letter as the first requirement to flight. Well, there are some considerations that you should pay attention to more to avoid the health risk that potentially infects you and some tips that you can do when you holiday in Bali.
Travel Considerations
No doubt going to travel can have a positive impact on your mental health and wellbeing. But there is some consideration for traveling in midst of a pandemic, so you can prepare yourself for the worst possible things that maybe happen during your holiday.
Where you’re traveling
When you travel, you are more likely to have greater exposure to shared spaces, such as restaurants, hotels, and public restrooms, which increases your chances of being exposed to the illness. While the infection rate in some areas may be lower than the cases in your area, increased exposure to the public means that the risk is still there. If you are traveling from Jakarta for example to an area currently experiencing an increase in cases, your chances of contacting the virus will be even. Therefore, applying health protocol strictly is a must for you.
Which mode of transportation you’re using
Not all types of travel are equally risky. Traveling by air is riskier than other transportation. But, many airlines now apply the health protocol that guarantees the sterile and cleanliness of the facilities. Once you are seated on the plane, passengers and flight staff are required to wear a mask, surfaces are cleaned regularly and people spaced greater than 6 feet apart, because now every line seat is only seated by 1 passenger, so your risk is probably reduced. Most viruses do not spread easily on the flight because of how air circulates and is filtered in airplanes according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Where you will be staying
Several hotels have implemented risk-reduction protocols, such as requiring guests and staff to wear masks in public areas, shutting down common areas, and only cleaning rooms between guests. Still, your best bet is to select lodging options that expose you to the fewest number of people to keep your risk as low as possible.
What you will be doing
Activities that put you within 6 feet of someone you are not traveling with are inherently risky. There are plenty of things you can do while traveling that allow you to maintain a safe distance from other people. Hiking, camping, even dining in a restaurant that has implemented appropriate safety protocols can afford you sufficient physical distance to stay safe. If you plan to visit some other public areas is it critical for you to be masked, though that does not eliminate the risk of transmission.
Health Risk of COVID-19 Prevention
Before you get out of town, make sure to check state and local travel restrictions and do some research to learn whether COVID-19 is spreading in your area or where you are traveling. Some states require out-of-state visitors to self-quarantine. Below are the things you should do while traveling:
Practice good hand-washing hygiene
Wash your hands with soap and water regularly for at least 20 seconds, especially after visiting a public place or touching potentially contaminated surfaces. If you cannot find access to soap and water, use hand sanitizer until you are able to get to a sink.
Avoid touching your face
Your nose and mouth are primary routes of transmission. Keeping your hands away from your face will help prevent contaminated droplets from reaching your mucus membranes.
Wear mask
Covering your nose and mouth with a mask ensures germs stay put. It is a lot harder for a respiratory droplet to hit you or contaminate a surface you might come into contact with if everyone is masked.
Practice physical distancing
The virus that containing droplets can travel through the air. If you keep your distance from the people around you, you are more likely to avoid infection.
Most importantly, recognize as a traveler you not only protect yourself but also have a responsibility to protect people around you. For example, if you decided to visit Bali and suddenly feel unwell during your holiday, you should immediately search “clinic near me” to consult with the doctor about every symptom that you feel. Don’t worry there are many international standard health facilities in Bali. Badung is one of the famous tourist areas in Bali, you can try to search the Clinic in Canggu as a choice if you stay in this area.
If you need the best services, you can choose Puri Medical Clinic (PMC). Located in a tourist area, Kerobokan district Canggu, Puri Medical Clinic has the best quality healthcare services in the town. Lead by Dr. Ni Putu Lantiningsih, PMC licensed to provide a variety of healthcare services includes an emergency department, a 24/7 outpatient clinic, dentistry unit, laboratory, and ambulance transport. PMC is the best choice for travelers and ex-pats in Bali.
