Coronavirus – Healthy travel after a Pandemic

Healthy travel after a pandemic – the hot topic of discussion. Many of us cancelled or cut short our travel adventures this spring. As we see restrictions loosen, the question arises –  When will it be safe to travel again? While still “sheltering in place”,  I want to consider some of the France travel advice recently published.

[disclaimer: This is an extremely fluid subject affected by multiple variables. Links are provided so that you can further inform yourself in the coming days.]

Healthy Travel After a Pandemic – France

May 6, 2020 France’s President Macron said “[it is] too early to say if we will be able to have holidays abroad this year”. More will be known by the beginning of June.

The Local shared France’s Interior Minister Christophe Castaner’s announcement on May 7. I quote from The Local:  “France will keep its borders closed to all but essential travel until at least June 15th….At present anyone travelling from Europe – including the UK – needs an international travel permit and can only cross the border if they meet certain criteria….For travellers from outside Europe there is an EU ban on all non essential travel and Castaner said this will remain in place ‘until further notice’.”

[Note that The Local will be behind a paywall unless you have subscribed or have not exceeded your quotient of “free reads”]

Traveling to France? Tips on Staying Healthy After a Pandemic

Masks, hand sanitizer and social distancing are most likely going to be the new norm when we think of travel precautions for France. These tips for staying healthy while traveling are valid for anywhere we travel today.

“How will train services work after May 11 in France?” found in The Connexion  May 6, indicates  masks will be required. Non compliance could prevent one from boarding and could also possibly result in a fine.

Also from The Connexion, social distancing remains in effect on train platforms. Long distance travel will decrease to 50% capacity. This ensures the maintenance of social distancing  within the carriages.

Forbes magazine‘s article indicates British Airways CEO Willie Walsh supports mandatory face masks as well as temperature checks upon arrival and departure.

Some people disagree with the idea of  mandatory masks. Remember, we abide by other mandatory requirement imposed for our safety. To list some obvious ones : Seats must be in an upright position to take-off and land and tray tables stored. Restrictions of some electronic devices occurs.

In the US, some airlines suggest but do not require the use of masks.  Canada began requiring masks as early as April 20 of this year. This  Conde Nast Traveler  May 5 article, “Flying During Coronavirus: How Airlines Are Changing Their In-Flight Rules”, addresses requirements for multiple airlines.

The CDC (Center for Disease Control in the US) indicates a “Warning Level 3- Avoid Non essential Travel: Widespread ongoing transmission of a respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) occurring globally.” The CDC has a “Travel Recommendations by Country” map that will be useful.

Paris and France coronavirus safe measures can be found on https://www.gouvernement.fr/en/coronavirus-covid-19

Essentials for Traveling After Coronavirus

Travel Insurance

 Coronavirus coverage in travel medical insurance needs to now be considered. Prior to the pandemic, I compiled some travel insurance ideas . However, MONEY.com recently updated their travel insurance page with 6 best travel insurance options. The link TravelInsurance.com  allows comparisons of various sites.

Hand Sanitizer

Remember to look for hand sanitizers that are at least 60% alcohol. Thankfully, this product is beginning to return to store shelves.

Face Masks

There are a plethora of non-medical face masks patterns on the web if you sew. Or you can choose to purchase one from a variety of sites. Browse the selection of designer face masks on my photographic site. These non-medical masks display views of France. The images printed on the masks are ones I took in France.  I will receive a small remuneration for each mask purchased.

Wash Your Hands

Wash hands frequently. Do not touch eyes, mouth, or face.  As this is our best line of defense, the Mayo Clinic provides detailed information here  on the subject.

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Keep safe and healthy!