Staying Safe During Summer Vacation

Posted: July 20, 2020 , in Healthy Living , Activities and Lifestyle , Safety , Covid-19

Summer is here once again, which means sunny days, hot weather, and of course, a well-deserved vacation. Unfortunately, this year we are faced with COVID-19, which will make each of us think about the way we travel. Below are a few ideas on how to stay safe this summer during your travels, as well as guidelines for airplane travel from the Government of Canada.

Anticipate Travel Needs

Bring enough of your medicine to last the entire trip.
Pack enough alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) and keep it within easy reach.
Bring enough disinfecting wipes for everyone in the family to use during the trip.
Bring a cloth face covering to wear in public places.
Prepare food and water for your trip. Pack non-perishable food in case restaurants and stores are closed.

While Traveling

Wear a cloth face-covering in public.
- While in an airport or on an airplane, try to keep your face covering on at all times.
Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer that has 60% alcohol prior to taking off your face covering or mask.
Avoid close contact with others by keeping 2 meters of physical distance from others whenever possible.
- If you’re on the beach, follow current beach capacity guidelines and set up your towel and umbrella away from others.
  - Additionally, if you’re going in the water, maintain social distancing efforts
If you’re pumping gas, try to wear gloves when touching the pump and the gas nozzle.
- If you have no gloves available, you can either wipe down the equipment with a disinfecting wipe or use hand sanitizer after handling.
Pick up food at drive-throughs, curbside restaurant service, or stores and eat meals in a public place away from others or in your hotel room.

Flying Requirements

As of March 30, 2020, all passengers flying in Canada will be subject to a health check prior to boarding. You will not be permitted to board if you:

Show any symptoms of COVID-19
- If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you will not be allowed to board any flight until 14 days have passed or you present a medical certificate confirming that your symptoms are not related to COVID-19.
Have been refused boarding in the past 14 days due to a medical reason related to COVID-19
Are subject to a provincial or local public health order

Wherever you’re going this summer, make sure to have fun and stay safe!