CORONAVIRUS SCARE - TRAVEL OR NOT TO TRAVEL!?

COVID-19 PANDEMIC

CORONAVIRUS SCARE - TRAVEL OR NOT TO TRAVEL!?

The coronavirus, now declared a pandemic, is a big disruption to my travel plans!  This is how I honestly see this “disease”.   I am part of many social media travel groups and it appears that lots of these “travel addicts” are not one bit phased by the threat of the novel coronavirus nor flight disruptions.  I am here to discuss the overall subject, Coronavirus scare – travel or not to travel, and to share some other useful tips and hints regarding the novel coronavirus.  

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Basic steps to follow to protect yourself and others from being infected or infecting others with Covid-19.

Covid-19 – How are People Reacting to it?

I have spoken to mainly travellers regarding this virus, their view on the topic is that it’s all hype, fake news, and propaganda.  Many disagreed with me that’s it’s a serious issue, saying it’s all to sell newspapers with Coronavirus headlines and higher television ratings.  Most think it’s all about making money, both the media, (print and broadcast) and the pharmaceutical companies.  They believe that a coronavirus vaccine will be available suddenly, after they have made enough money. 

Dear readers, you would be amazed to know that many are currently on vacation or still embarking on vacations, Covid-19 or not.  Continue reading to see my views on travelling during this outbreak.

I want to travel but fear of corona is in the way Coronavirus scare travel or not to travel
I want to travel but fear of corona is in the way

What is Novel Coronavirus/Covid-19?

The Covid-19 is a strain of the Novel Coronavirus (Cov), such viruses are common among animals.  The virus originated in Wuhan, China and is transferred from animals to people.  Covid-19 is from the virus that causes many viruses like SARS and MERS (all 3 are Coronaviruses).  It causes pneumonia and respiratory problems and does not respond to antibiotics, nor are there any vaccines to prevent or cure it.

The Wuhan Coronavirus is the “cousin” of SARS and MERS, both had a mortality rate of 10%, however, Covid-19 is 3.4%.  The fatality rate depends on a person’s age and medical status.  It is highest amongst the age group 70 – 79 years at 8% and 80 years and over 10%, this group accounts for 50% of the deaths.  The Covid-19 is milder than SARS and MERS and takes longer to develop (average 14 days).

What are the Symptoms of COVID-19?

The Coronavirus has an incubation period of between 1 – 14 days, by 5th day, it seems to show a positive result in those exposed to it.  It should also be noted, that some have done the test and it showed negative but got sick days later, within and this period, they tested a 2nd time and was positive.

According to the WHO, some of the main symptoms of Coronavirus are:

  • Dry Cough
  • Runny nose (in some cases)
  • Fever (possibly for few days)
  • Diarrhea (in some cases)
  • Sore Throat
  • Headaches with fever
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Lost of taste and smell (in some cases)

How to Reduce Your Risk of Covid-19 Infection?

The WHO (World Health Organization) and CDC (Center for Disease Control) recommend one can take the following steps to reduce your risk and prevent against contracting the virus:

  1. Avoid sick people
  1. Do not touch your T-zone (eyes, nose, and mouth)
  1. Washing your hands often for no less than 20 seconds, it is critical to do this because the Coronavirus is an ‘enveloped’ virus, which means that it has an outer lipid membrane layer, (an outer layer of fat).  Washing your hands with soap and water can ‘dissolve’ this greasy fatty layer and kill the virus.
  1. Large crowds are to be avoided.
  1. Clean and disinfect surfaces you often touch.  
  1. Curtail non-essential travels to countries with the highest number of coronavirus cases and deaths.
  1. Say no to handshakes, hugging and kissing.
  1. Do not share glasses, dishes bedding and other personal household items if you are sick (wait until you are declared Covid-19 negative).
  1. Use shoulders, hips or elbows to open public doors and use a tissue to turn doorknobs, turn off taps or flush public toilets. Walk with your pen at banks or other commercial places for signing documents.
  1. Clean and disinfect  your home especially door knobs, light switches, faucets, etc.
  1. The WHO recommends as safety and precautionary measures:
  • Avoid contact with animals (both dead and alive) and surfaces touched by animals in areas with the coronavirus.
  • Do not eat uncooked meats.

Your personal nebulizer/respirator is very important and can aid in so many ways during this time of worldwide pandemic. If you are having problems breathing, It is perfect for use at home or on the go.

My Common-Sense Suggestions

  1. Strengthening your immune system (my no.1 suggestion, because I see prevention as being better than cure), there are many immune builders, check your doctor or use the ones that work for you, (my favorite is Black Seed oil).
  1. Disinfect items such as bottles, tins, etc. bought in supermarkets, stores, etc. (many hands have touched them).
  1. Remember the two filthiest items you touch all day 1. your cell phone and 2. money.  Your phone has more germs than some public bathrooms, so take time to sanitize it.  Money is passed around all day every day and carries germs, so sanitize and wash your hands after touching money.
  1. Leave a bottle of sanitizer outside your door, on returning home, before touching your house keys or your door knob, sanitize your hands before entering, and then wash with soap and water once inside.
  1. Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables (boost your immune).
  2. If you wear glasses, do not constantly touch or fiddle with it with your dirty hands.  Do not rub your eyes with your fingers or the back of your hands, because germs settle there also.  and can get into your eyes.
fresh fruits and vegetables, Coronavirus scare travel or not to travel
Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables

How to Reduce the Risk of Infecting Others?

If you have the virus or suspect you may have it, here are some ways to protect others from potentially being infected by you:

  1. If you’ve returned from travelling to an affected area and have symptoms, do not leave your home to visit the hospital or doctor, stay indoors and instead call your doctor or health care provider and let them advise you as to what to do.
  1. On returning from travelling to an affected country, even if you have no symptoms, it is advisable to stay indoors for 14 days and avoid contact with other people both in the home (if you don’t live alone) and. neighbors, etc. this is exactly what I did on return from my vacation recently.
  1. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and (dispose immediately) and then wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds. If you don’t have a tissue to sneeze or cough in, use your elbow and not in your hands or the open air.
  1. If you didn’t travel, but display symptoms of Covid-19, seek medical help by phone and let the healthcare providers advise of the safety procedure.
  2. If you develop a cough or sneeze, and you are uncertain if it’s just the common cold, please wear a face mask, especially in public and confined spaces like airlines, to protect others from possibly getting infected.
coronavirus precautions, no handshakes, Coronavirus scare travel or not to travel
No handshakes feat. photo Gerd Altmann - Pixaby
protect against corona, wash hands with soap and water, Coronavirus scare travel or not to travel
protect against corona, wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

Who are Most Susceptible to Covid-19 & Should they Wear a Mask?

Below are the categories of people who are most susceptible to the Coronavirus.  The WHO advised that healthy people should not wear masks.

However, it makes sense that if you fall in the below-category, and in an area where Covid-19 is prevalent or in a confined space like an airplane, I think it makes sense to wear a mask.

  • The elderly esp. 70+ and over (with underlying health issues).
  • Those with weakened immune systems due to illness.
  • Those with damaged lungs due to smoking or other lung illnesses (because the disease is a respiratory illness).
  • Patients with diabetes, CVD (cardiovascular diseases), asthma and other chronic conditions.
  • Immune-compromised persons.
  • Pregnant women.

Measures Implemented by Countries due to the Coronavirus/Covid-19 Scare

IMMEDIATE BAN

Passengers (except residents and citizens) who have travelled/transited through/from China in the last 14 – 28 days are banned from entering the below-listed countries:

    • Antigua & Barbuda
    • Australia
    • Malaysia
    • Bahamas
    • India
    • Madagascar
    • Singapore
    • Trinidad & Tobago
    • Philippines
    • Cayman Islands
    • Indonesia
    • Kosovo
    • Micronesia
    • Somalia
    • Tonga
    • United States of America
    • Vietnam
    • Maldives
    • New Zealand
    • Guatemala
    • Belize
    • Grenada
    • Iraq
    • Nije
    • Palau
    • Papua New Guinea
    • Turkey
    • Georgia
    • Russia

IMMEDIATE BAN

Passengers (except residents and citizens) who have travelled/transited through/from Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, Iran, Italy, and China within the last 14 – 28 days are banned from entering the below-listed countries:

    • Bahrain
    • St. Lucia
    • Cooks islands
    • Fiji
    • Israel
    • Jordan
    • Kyrgyzstan
    • Jamaica
    • El Salvador
    • Iraq
    • Madagascar
    • Marshall Islands
    • Solomon Islands
    • Lebanon
    • India
    • Mauritius
    • Turkey
    • Seychelles
    • Trinidad & Tobago
    • Kuwait
    • Nauru
    • Kosovo
    • St. Maarten
    • Romania
    • Saudi Arabia
    • Vincent & the Grenadines
outbreak worldwide, Coronavirus scare travel or not to travel
Covid-19 outbreak worldwide

Aruba

The Government of Aruba has mandated that commencing 17/3/20,  all establishments (restaurants, bars and gas stations included)  will be closed by 10:00 pm daily, until further notice is given.

Armenia

Nationals of Mainland China with normal passports, are no longer visa-exempt, they now need a visa or e-visa to enter Armenia.

Australia

The Australian Government has ordered a ban of non-essential gatherings of more than 500 persons from 16/3/20.

Colombia

Colombia has closed it’s land border between itself and Venezuela.  They have also banned visitors who have visited Europe and Asia in the last 14 – 21 days..

France

In France there is a ban on gatherings of persons over 100. All non-essential businesses will remain closed except for supermarkets, petrol stations and pharmacies.  Everyone is asked to stay at home.

The Champions league games will be played behind closed doors, without fans.

Germany

In Germany there is a ban on gatherings of more than 2 persons. 

India

Visas and e-visa issued to nationals of Iran, Italy, Mainland China, Japan and South Korea are invalidated.  There will be no visa on arrivals for residents of Japan and South Korea.

Iran

Nationals of Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, these countries’ normal passports, are no longer visa-exempt.  However, they can obtain a visa on arrival.

Israel 

The government of Israel announced that all Israelis  returning from abroad must be quarantined for 14 days.  Non-Israelis will also be required to self-quarantine for 14 days.  They must be able to show, on arrival, proof of  accommodation for the quarantine period.

Micronesia

Citizens of Micronesia are banned from visiting countries where there is the Coronavirus.  The same applies to visitors from affected countries, they are also banned from entering Micronesia…quarantined or not (excluding airline crew).

Moldova

Travellers from countries with the coronavirus are banned from entering Moldova, except for Moldovan citizens.

Myanmar

Nationals of Mainland China can no longer obtain a visa on arrival.

Palestine

The Palestinian authority have put Bethlehem on lockdown indefinitely.  All foreign tourists are also banned from the West Bank.

Poland

Poland requires health declaration form if you travelled/transit from China, Hong Kong, Italy, South Korea Italy or Macau.  Forms are provided by cabin crew and must be submitted at points of entry.

Spain

In Spain, from 16/3/20, there will be a 15 days  nationwide shut down of the entire country .  People would be allowed in public only for emergencies, for work or to buy food or medicine.

Sri lanka

Nationals of Mainland China can no longer obtain a visa on arrival.

Trinidad and Tobago

All non-nationals are banned from entering Trinidad and Tobago (both sea and air)  for the next 14 days from March 17, 2020.  Exceptions may be granted, but must be approved by both the Minister of National Security and the Ministry of Health.

Commencing at midnight on the 22/3/20, the entry borders of Trinidad and Tobago (both sea and air) will be on total lock-down.  All non-nationals and nationals (citizens and legal residents) of the country will not be allowed entry into the country until further notice.  However, people are free to travel from the twin-island.  It should be noted that cargo vessels will be exempted. 

Domestic travel remains uninterrupted (between Trinidad and Tobago’s air-bridge and seaports).

United States of America

President Trump suspended all travel of All foreign nationals, from Europe (Schengen zone) 13/3/20 and Ireland and the United Kingdom, from 16/3/20.  for 30 days.  The restriction applies to all travellers except for  legal residents and citizens of U.S.A.

Vietnam

  • Passengers who travelled through/from Italy, China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Iran, and Japan, must carry out medical declarations and 14 days of medical quarantine before entering Vietnam.
  • All passengers who have transited through mainland China within the last 14 days, as well as travellers from Daegu and Gyeongsangbuk in South Korea, will be denied entry into Vietnam.  The only exceptions will be visitors for official and diplomatic purpose,  who will be subjected to a compulsory for 14-days quarantine, upon entry into Vietnam.
  • Vietnam has suspended the visa exemptions for citizens of South Korea and Italy.

SEPARATE ENTRY GATES

Prague. Moldova, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia, Moldova, Bulgaria, Albania, and Turkey. All have separate gates for people arriving from Italy and China.

Countries with cases of Covid-19 Coronavirus

Presently there are 212 countries and territories with the Coronavirus, the figure is changing daily as the virus continues to spread.   

  1. Afghanistan
  2. Albania
  3. Algeria
  4. Andorra
  5. Angola
  6. Antigua & Barbuda
  7. Argentina
  8. Armenia
  9. Aruba
  10. Austria
  11. Australia
  12. Azerbaijan
  13. Bahamas
  14. Bahrain
  15. Bangladesh
  16. Barbados
  17. Belarus
  18. Belize
  19. Benin
  20. Belgium
  21. Bermuda
  22. Bhutan
  23. Bolivia
  24. Bonaire (Dutch Caribbean)
  25. Bosnia & Herzegovina
  26. Botswana
  27. Brazil
  28. British Virgin Islands
  29. Brunei
  30. Bulgaria
  31. Burkina Faso
  32. Burundi
  33. Cape Verde
  34. Cambodia
  35. Cameroon
  36. Canada
  37. Central African Republic
  38. Cayman Islands
  39. Chad
  40. Channel Islands
  41. Chile
  42. China
  43. Colombia
  44. Congo
  45. Costa Rica
  46. Croatia
  47. Cuba
  48. Curacao
  49. Cyprus
  50. Czech Republic
  51. Democratic Republic of Congo
  52. Denmark
  53. Dominica
  54. Dominica Republic
  55. Djibouti
  56. Ecuador
  57. Egypt
  58. El Salvador
  59. Equatorial Guinea
  60. Eritrea
  61. Estonia
  62. Eswatini
  63. Ethiopia
  64. Faeroe Islands
  65. Falkland Islands
  66. Fiji
  67. Finland
  68. France
  69. French Guiana
  1. French Polynesia
  2. Gabon
  3. Gambia
  4. Georgia
  5. Germany
  6. Ghana
  7. Gibraltar
  8. Greece
  9. Grenada
  10. Guadeloupe
  11. Guam
  12. Guatemala
  13. Guinea
  14. Guinea-Bissau
  15. Guyana
  16. Haiti
  17. Honduras
  18. Hong Kong
  19. Hungary
  20. Iceland
  21. India
  22. Indonesia
  23. Iran
  24. Iraq
  25. Ireland
  26. Isle of Man
  27. Israel
  28. Italy
  29. Ivory Coast
  30. Jamaica
  31. Japan
  32. Jordan
  33. Kazakhstan
  34. Kenya
  35. Kosovo
  36. Kuwait
  37. Laos
  38. Latvia
  39. Lebanon
  40. Liberia
  41. Liechtenstein
  42. Lithuania
  43. Luxembourg
  44. Libya
  45. Macau
  46. Malawi
  47. Malaysia
  48. Mali
  49. Maldives
  50. Malta
  51. Martinique
  52. Mauritania
  53. Mauritius
  54. Mayotte
  55. Mexico
  56. Moldova
  57. Monaco
  58. Mongolia
  59. Montenegro
  60. Montserrat
  61. Morocco
  62. Myanmar
  63. Mozambique
  64. Namibia
  65. Nepal
  66. Netherlands
  67. New Caledonia
  68. New Zealand
  69. Nicaragua
  70. Niger
  71. Nigeria
  72. North Macedonia
  73. Norway
  74. Oman
  75. Pakistan
  76. Palestine
  1. Panama
  2. Papua New Guinea
  3. Paraguay
  4. Peru
  5. The Philippines
  6. Poland
  7. Portugal
  8. Puerto Rico
  9. Qatar
  10. Reunion
  11. Romania
  12. Russia
  13. Rwanda
  14. Sao Tome and Principe
  15. San Marino
  16. Saudi Arabia
  17. Senegal
  18. Serbia
  19. Seychelles
  20. Sierra Leone
  21. Singapore
  22. Slovakia
  23. Slovenia
  24. Somalia
  25. South Africa
  26. South Korea
  27. South Sudan
  28. Spain
  29. Sri Lanka
  30. St, Croix (U.S. Virgin Islands)
  31. St. John (U.S. Virgin Islands)
  32. St. Kitts & Nevis
  33. St. Lucia
  34. St. Maarten
  35. St. Martin
  36. St. Pierre Miquelon
  37. St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands)
  38. St. Vincent & the Grenadines
  39. Sudan
  40. Suriname
  41. Sweden
  42. Switzerland
  43. Syria
  44. Taiwan
  45. Tanzania
  46. Thailand
  47. Timor-Leste
  48. Togo
  49. Trinidad and Tobago
  50. Tunisia
  51. Turkey
  52. Turks & Caicos
  53. Uganda
  54. Ukraine
  55. United Arab Emirates
  56. United Kingdom
  57. United States of America
  58. Uruguay
  59. U.S. Virgin Islands
  60. Uzbekistan
  61. The Vatican City
  62. Venezuela
  63. Vietnam
  64. Western Sahara
  65. Zambia
  66. Zimbabwe
  67. Yemen

Countries FREE of Covid-19 Coronavirus

Presently there are 12 countries and territories Free of the Coronavirus.  However, this virus-free status can change at any minute.

  1. Anguilla (all cases recently recovered)
  2. Greenland (all cases recently recovered)
  3. Kiribati
  4. North Korea
  5. Lesotho
  6. Nauru
  7. Samoa
  8. St. Barthelemy (all cases recently recovered)
  9. Tajikistan
  10. Tonga
  11. Tuvalu
  12. Vanuatu
World Pandemic, Coronavirus scare travel or not to travel
World Pandemic

How is Covid-19 “supposedly” Spread?

I mention the word supposedly because something about the spread of this disease is still not quite clear to me.  Yes, I understand if an individual, visibly displays all the symptoms of the virus then anyone in close contact can contract it.  However, it seems the virus is also spread by those with no symptoms (asymptomatic), so how are those with no symptoms spreading it?   These people look perfectly healthy with no symptoms (coughing, sneezing) so I’m curious to know if its spread from a simple touch of the skin or what?? That’s what worries me most and we are not getting the answers to this. 

However, these are the ways it is suggested that the virus is spread:

  1. The virus is believed to be spread mainly from close person-to-person interactions.
  2. Droplets from infected person who are close to others, through saliva (droplets whilst speaking), sneezing or coughing. These droplets can enter the mouth, eyes, or lungs through nose, when inhaled by others.
  3. Contaminated surfaces, touching these surfaces then your nose, mouth or eyes, is said to be another way the virus is spread. It is said that the virus can live on surfaces for as much as 48 hours or more.
  4. Kissing and exchanging bodily fluids with a symptomatic (with visible symptoms) person, it can be speculated that non symptomatic persons can also spread the virus without showing signs of sickness.

Why you Should Not Wear a Mask!?

Wearing a mask can cause you to fidget with the mask more and eventually touching your T-zones with your dirty fingers.  This way you can spread the germs easier.  Wearing a mask creates a false sense of security for most people who wear them, because of the following reasons:

  • If you don’t wash your hands before and after you take off your mask, you could increase your risk, by absentmindedly touching your T-zones with contaminated hands.
  • Not using or disposing of a respirator mask correctly can increase infection risk because all the contaminants and germs trapped on the mask, can end up on your lips, eyes and inhaled when removing the mask.
  • Some disposables offer little or no full-proof filter of germs, the N95 respirator mask offers the best protection and even those do not offer 100% no matter how well they seal to the face and how efficient these respirators are, they will not eliminate exposures 100%.
  • Some people are under the impression that they can use a disposable mask more than once or all day.
  • I have seen people visit a restaurant or even on the plane, wearing a mask, they shift the mask above their mouths or under their chins or remove the mask entirely (with dirty hands) to eat.  This is a no-no as you are contaminating your food and exposing yourself to the germs caught on the mask.      
disposable face mask, Coronavirus scare travel or not to travel
disposable face mask, these should not be worn all day and does not offer much protection against covid-19
wear a mask if you are sick or in confined spaces, Coronavirus scare travel or not to travel
wear a mask only if you are sick or in confined spaces feat. photo - Unsplash

Should You Worry About Covid-19?

Should you worry about the covid-19 coronavirus?  No! just take the necessary precautions I previously mentioned.  My number one suggestion will be focus on building your resistance and strengthening your immune system.  The thing is, even if you encounter the virus, it is not guaranteed you will get sick (and not everyone who contracts it will die), if you have a strong immune system, it will resist any virus trying to attack you.  

Another important thing is not to put your health at risk because people don’t look sick.  The asymptomatic people are mixing with the rest of the population and shedding the virus and infecting others.  So just take caution, practice good hygiene and follow the preventative steps previously mentioned.

What should be our main concern besides of health is that our healthcare workers and doctors do not get sick and stay away from work for any period.  We need these trained essential workers to get through this outbreak and take care of those who need the help most.

Is there Something Sinister about the Coverage of Covid-19?

We are told that the Coronavirus is a serious disease and comparable to the 1918 Spanish Flu, all this is might be true.  However, what is strange is that influenza kills much more than Covid-19 in many countries around the world, yearly.  In the United States of America, the death toll from influenza for 2018/2019 was over 34,200.00 and over 490,000.00 hospitalized. 

In 2019/2020, there were more than 16,000.00 deaths, and over 280,000.00 hospitalized in just a few months during the flu season.  Many countries worldwide record high influenza deaths yearly, in comparison with this virus.  Don’t you find this much more alarming than the Covid-19?  Worldwide the Covid-19 Coronavirus has infected more than  3,000,000.00, and has killed more than 200,000.00. 

With these alarming statistics for influenza, we have not seen the media hype for everyone to take precautions, as we see with this virus.  I am quietly pondering why this virus with a much lower mortality rate is causing so much panic than influenza with a much higher yearly mortality rate.  Stock markets are crashing and disruptions in so many businesses.  To me, it seems a very strange scenario.

covid-19 Coronavirus scare travel or not to travel
Covid-19 is covering the globe

How to Prepare for the Spin-off Effects of the Coronavirus!?

We are already seeing some negative financial effects due to the effects of this virus. 

  • Asian markets are down
  • U.S Stock markets have tumbled
  • Wall Street stocks are down
  • Oil prices dropping,  below US$30.00 a barrel 
  • Shortage of some medical supplies. 

Many small businesses in affected countries are losing revenue due to a reduction of customers and lock down of cities.  Eventually, when the manufacturing sector slows down and maybe eventually some commodities are scarce or increased in price, it will be felt by the ordinary man.  Workers are staying away from work and so production of goods will also drop, eventually, the effects will hit home.

Like any other adversity in life, don’t panic, it is best to prepare for the worst but hope for the best.  Preparing is key to everything in life. You and your family are your no.1 priority.  Do not sit on the side-lines and say you will not panic and take no actions, it is not panicking it is being smart and preparing for any eventualities.  Below are some steps you can take to prepare for any eventualities.

  1. First, make sure you have at least 4-6 weeks’ worth of any medications you need in case there is a depletion at pharmacies.
  2. Have enough necessities, including food and toiletries at home, anything you will need daily or weekly. (This is most important, in case there are shortages, or if you need to be quarantined at home for 2 weeks because you may have to be quarantined.
  3. If you have children have their food, medicines, etc. at home in case schools are closed for several weeks, because this is becoming a norm in many countries affected by this virus.
  4. Be prepared like any other disaster or emergency, have enough water (one gallon per person per day) on hand for three days.
stock up on toiletries and medicine, Coronavirus scare travel or not to travel
stock up on at least 3 months supply of toiletries and medicine

MUST HAVE ESSENTIAL ITEMS FOR ALL TRAVELLERS

These are my essentials and gadgets I can never do without for a smooth and stress-free vacation. All are available on Amazon for direct links  to the products and information and suggested uses . 

 For MUST-READ BOOKS Think and Grow Rich is an excellent book for those who  are looking  to improve their life and personally grow and develop.   How to win friends and Influence people (#Ad) another self improvement and and social skills development read (excellent read …perfect for long airport layovers and during your flight) or during your free time.  CLICK HERE for the entire list of travel essentials and uses/descriptions

Should you Travel during this Period of the Coronavirus Outbreak?

Where travelling at this time is concerned, I can only suggest travels to the countries not affected by the virus (see my Destinations page for countries suggestions and reviews).   For those countries you’ve dreamt of visiting that currently have the Coronavirus, I would suggest waiting it out and hope that in a few months, it will disappear as quickly as it emerged.  Look at the scenarios taking place with the airlines and consider your health status and decide this.  I love travelling, but I love my life, my space, and peace of mind more. 

For now, I am staying put, not because the virus scares me, but more so because of the many inconveniences’ travellers are facing, the lock-down of some cities, daily flight cancellations, etc.  Some on travel groups having to source money for a new ticket and search for an airline to get a flight back home because the airline they flew with have cancelled flights from the country they visited.  

Airport woes due to coronavirus, Coronavirus scare travel or not to travel
Airport woes feat. photo Kirk Iai - Unsplash
Chaos at airports due to flight cancellations
Chaos at airports due to flight cancellations feat. photo Conner Dannylenko- Pexels.com

Some countries are also closing their borders to visitors and others are quarantining visitors for 14 days on arrival.  There is a possibility that you may be on a plane and when you arrive at an airport the entire flight must be quarantined.  All these negative possibilities don’t sound like fun or adventure for me, it may even cost more in the long run. 

What scares me is the thought of being quarantined in a foreign country for 14 days, or to share space with strangers in one room for more than one day.  The real possibility of this happening is enough for me to lose the travel buzz.  There is also a stigma attached to anyone who has travelled/transited internationally to countries with the virus, even worst if you have just the common cold. You are suddenly being scorned or become persona non grata in and out of your country because lots of people are paranoid or terrified about the Coronavirus.

Seems the whole world is quarantine.., Coronavirus scare travel or not to travel
Seems the whole world is being quarantined.. feat. photo Alexsy Hulsoy - Pixaby

Conclusion

Every day we are bombarded with advice from our leaders not to wear a mask, yet we see everyone is wearing them, and they don’t appear sick. I am not going to walk the streets in a mask but if I am in a confined space, like a bus, train, airplane, etc, especially if someone is coughing or sneezing, I am wearing mine.   I am not leaving my health for someone else to do the correct thing to protect me.  

Too many times I have seen people publicly picking their nostrils (no need to say what happens after) or coughing, sneezing, in the open without covering their mouths or noses, some blowing their noses in their hands and wiping in their clothes, this seems a norm in many countries.  So, my advice is to protect yourself and do what’s best to keep YOU healthy. 

Follow all the guidelines previously given, remember prevention is better than cure, don’t panic and just do the right things to protect you and your family.  If you are sick, be responsible and protect others from contracting your illness.  Regarding the Coronavirus scare – travel or not to travel, it all comes down to the individual and based solely on common sense and the noticeable fact that many countries are closing their borders to all non nationals.

Share with me your views on this topic and or leave me the winning covid-19 immune booster or (any) virus buster remedy.  

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