Dr. David Samadi: Safe summer travels by taking precautions during COVID-19

How to take a summer vacation without catching Coronavirus

A vacation sounds really good right about now, doesn’t it? After weeks of lockdown and worry over COVID-19, a little rest and relaxation of a summer adventure destination is just what the doctor ordered. But, as state restrictions ease up allowing more travel away from home, can it be done safely? Vacationing with safety in mind will be more critical than ever. Coronavirus is still with us and is a threat, not only to your health, but also to your travel companions or anyone else you come into contact with. This is not the time to let your guard down.

That’s why summer vacation will look different this year. It doesn’t mean your family needs to venture no further than the boundaries of the county you live in. However, it does mean reviewing and revising your travel plans in advance factoring in how to minimize the risk of contracting the infection.

There are several details to think about before you pack your bags:

· Your destination

· How will you get there and back home

· What activities will you do

· Where will you stay

Let’s address each one making plans now to avoid any unexpected challenges.

Your destination

This will be your most important decision to consider. A summer vacation destination closer to home may be your best compromise with your family. Even though most states are reopened, that doesn’t mean travelers are free to come and go as they please across state lines.

Before you buckle up in your car or board an airplane, check government websites for the destination you’re planning to travel to, checking on if visitors and residents arriving or returning from those states require a self-quarantine for 14 days. Plans to travel abroad have some serious restrictions and are likely not advised in most countries for the time being.

How will you get there and back from your destination?

Venturing away from home into areas of the country can increase your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. It’s hard to say if one type of travel is safer than another – no matter how you plan to travel to your destination, you can be exposed to the virus. Depending on how your mode of transportation can make a difference:

· Air travel

Even though most airport terminals are running at a much lower capacity than normal, the greatest risk of airline travel is the possibility of standing in long lines or in crowded conditions placing you and your family in close contact with others. Wearing a face mask is required at all airports and onboard. Once you’re on the plane, your risk of contracting the virus is actually less likely. Planes have never been cleaner and flight capacity is running below normal so most flights are not jam-packed. Airplanes also filter cabin air using air filtration systems that kill a majority of airborne viruses helping ensure purity of the air supply. If you want to avoid a full flight, check with your airline on rebooking if the flight is too packed.

It’s advisable to bring your own alcohol-based wipes to clean and sanitize tray tables, overhead knobs, seats and seat arm rests, seat buckles or anything else you may touch. Be up-to-date on your vaccines, wash your hands often and steer clear of people who are visibly sick. Most importantly, avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

· Car travel

This is probably your safest travel mode of avoiding COVID-19. It’s easier to practice social distancing and avoiding contact with strangers. The main risk will be any stops for gas, food, or restroom breaks. Keep a respectful distance of at least six feet from others when in a public places, wash your hands both before and after opening doors, touching items in a store, and after using the restroom.

· Bus or train travel

Traveling on a bus or train will involve long periods of time surrounded by strangers. Again, frequent washing of hands, avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, and using alcohol-based wipes to clean all surfaces you come into contact with during your travel will help minimize your risk.

Activities you will do

Depending on your destination and what activities are up and running, will determine your daily schedule. Perhaps consider this year’s summer vacation more low-key by avoiding activities involving close contact with others. Hold off on going to amusement or water parks, casinos, or any large gatherings where social distancing is harder to practice.

Opt instead for national or state park destinations offering hiking or camping where it’s easier to keep space between yourself and others. Or consider a beach where you can spread out from others as you play in the surf and sand. Check out your own state or a nearby state’s attractions such as historical sites or scenic roadways that you’ve never been to before.

Where you will stay

Spending time away from the familiar surroundings of your home during COVID-19 may be the first time you’ve done so since the virus arrived.

If you plan to travel by RV or camp using your own tent, likely you are at a low risk of picking up the virus from those environments.

But, what about staying in hotels or home rentals? At hotels, the main risk you face is coming into close contact with people who may have the virus but are asymptomatic with the potential of transmitting it. Social distancing and wearing a mask when around others can help reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19. While most hotels are taking extra caution and vigilance in cleaning rooms, it’s still advised to bring your own alcohol-based wipes to disinfect frequently touched areas including the phone, TV remotes, door handles, bathroom faucets, toilet handles, and flat surfaces.

If staying in a home rental, many of these rentals are using standardized protocols for cleaning and sanitizing of home-sharing places. Check to make sure your lodging has this in place before renting. However, to be safe, it wouldn’t hurt to run all utensils and dishware through the dishwasher when arriving and to launder bed linens and towels ensuring they are clean and fresh. And just like in a hotel room, when you arrive, bring out your sanitary wipes to clean off door handles, flat surfaces, TV remotes, refrigerator and microwave door handles, bathroom and kitchen faucets, and toilet handles.

Have fun but stay safe on your summer vacation

Summer vacations are a highlight of the year for many families making memories for a lifetime. This year, you can still have a vacation, just plan ahead and practice precautions protecting you from COVID-19. In the meantime, have a relaxing vacation, safe travels and stay COVID-19 free.

Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.