Self-isolation during the coronavirus crisis is enough to make anyone want to get on a plane and take a vacation somewhere, anywhere. Well, maybe that's just me after a couple of days at home with my teenage son and nowhere to go. Most of us won't be making any vacation plans until the coronavirus threat is mitigated, yet there are those who may need to travel for a variety of reasons. Here's what you need to know before you fly.
How the coronavirus can spread on a plane
What not to do
7) Don't bother with a mask
TSA will allow you to wear a medical face mask while on the airplane. While the mask can help those who are infected from spreading the coronavirus, it is not effective to protect against becoming infected. Many of these masks don’t fit people properly. Additionally, many of the masks purchased in stores do not prevent small particles from going through the mask. Masks may also become a collection area for infected particles and increase the chances of a person getting infected with the coronavirus.
8) Maybe just don't go
Avoid travel if you can until the coronavirus threat has subsided. This may cause a little inconvenience and some sad faces, but remember — these are practices that can help prevent the spread of the flu and any other infectious disease.
Blanca Villareal, a Los Angeles mom of two, was asked if she would be comfortable getting on a flight right now. "Nope! I was supposed to fly out last night. Was holding on for hope that things would change. Finally cancelled my flight Monday night," she told Mom.com. "I just don’t feel safe if I were to carry it back to someone elderly like my mom who has respiratory issues."
She continued, "My other problem I would foresee is that I would be stuck in Puerto Rico. Some friends are stuck in El Salvador and can’t get a flight back for 2-4 weeks."
Be safe and consider if your vacation will be worth getting exposed and/or exposing others — there'll be plenty of time for wanderlust once this crisis has passed.
