Planes
Air travel was almost nonexistent at the beginning of the pandemic. Flights were far and few between but now the industry has adapted with safety and sanitation precautions to keep employees and travelers healthy. However, there are still risks associated with air travel.
If you do choose to travel via airplane, make sure the airline requires passengers to wear masks. It is difficult for pathogens to spread in airplanes because of how air circulates and filters in a pressurized cabin but the mask will help even more.
Make sure to distance yourself from other passengers. This can be difficult on a crowded flight but most airlines are limiting capacity of planes and keeping middle seats empty. You can also strategically book your flights to avoid contact with large crowds. Some airlines allow you to choose your seats before booking and you can gauge how many people will be on the flight. Flights on weekdays are usually less crowded than weekend flights.
Follow the same rules you’ve been sticking to since the pandemic hit. Social distance, wear a mask, and wash your hands thoroughly and often.
Trains and other forms of public transport
Public transport is probably the most difficult method of transport to navigate during the pandemic. While most transit systems are limiting capacity, it can be difficult to feel safe in small crowded spaces. Keep up to date on rules and requirements made by local transit authorities to decide if it is a good idea to use it.
If you do choose to use public transit, follow the same rules you’ve been sticking to since the pandemic hit. Social distance, wear a mask, and wash your hands thoroughly and often.
Automobiles
If you’re in a rideshare/taxi it is very important that everyone is wearing a mask and that the windows are open if they can be. Even with a plastic divider between passengers and drivers, you are not sealed off from each other in any way.
Road trips aren’t without their share of risk either. Breaks at gas stations, rest stops, and anywhere along the way carries potential exposure to COVID, especially in high case areas.
If you do choose to take a rideshare/taxi or go on a road trip, follow the same rules you’ve been sticking to since the pandemic hit. Social distance, wear a mask, and wash your hands thoroughly and often.
Even if you don’t end up traveling during the pandemic, social distance, wear a mask and wash your hands thoroughly and often.
Writing by Ryan Mathura, Public Health Innovation Analyst
Ryan is a Master of Public Health Student at Emory University studying Health Policy and Management. He has a background in immunology and worked in vaccine R&D before attending Emory.
Graphics by Sophie Becker, Design Strategist
Sophie is a design strategist at Orange Sparkle Ball. She is a recent graduate from RIT and holds a bachelor’s in industrial design and psychology. Her studies informed her interest in using design thinking to communicate abstract and complex ideas, particularly in public health.
