How to travel safely during lockdown level 2

The coronavirus pandemic has negatively impacted many industries with the travel industry being one of them. On 15 August, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that interprovincial travel is now allowed, meaning people are now able to travel to other provinces for not only business, but for leisure and personal reasons as well, without a permit. This means we’re likely to see an influx of travellers from various regions in the country. Here’s how to travel safely during lockdown:  

1. Never travel if you’re sick or have any Covid-19 symptoms

This goes without saying, but if you’re sick and are displaying any Covid-19 symptoms, your travel plans will have to be postponed until you are well again. Make sure you follow the protocol of isolating yourself for 14 days and getting tested for Covid-19 if you are not feeling well.  

2. Consider your age and health

Before contemplating travelling during a pandemic, you should think about your current state of health as well as your age. Those with compromised immune systems and elderly people have a higher risk of contracting the virus and experiencing severe illness.  

3. Consider if Covid-19 is spreading at your destination

Before you get ready to travel to another region, make sure you keep up with the latest coronavirus statistics and check whether the virus is rampant in the area you’re travelling to. If the cases in the area are rising at a rapid rate, then by travelling to the area, you’re increasing your chances of contracting the virus.  

4. Consider the people you live with

Do you live with anyone who suffers from a terminal illness or has a compromised immune system? This is of utmost importance to consider when travelling during a pandemic. Although you might have a healthy immune system and return feeling healthy from your travel, you may be unknowingly acting as a carrier of the coronavirus, and therefore spreading it to vulnerable people who may not be able to survive the infection. It may not be worth travelling if you live with an immuno-compromised person. Or alternatively, you can make an arrangement to isolate in a different location for 14 days when you return if you can’t put off your travel.  

5. Follow the necessary protocol

By now, we’re all familiar with the rules of wearing masks in public spaces, washing and sanitizing hands regularly, avoiding touching the nose, mouth and eyes as well as keeping a 2-metre distance from others. These are important to keep in mind when travelling.  

6. Think about the mode of transport you’ll be using

Different modes of travel can expose you to the coronavirus in various ways.

Car travel: If you are travelling in a private car, you will have to keep in mind that any passengers you have on board will put you at risk of contracting the virus, and so will any pit stops you make along the way.

Air travel: On airplanes, there are no social distancing measures put in place, so the 2-metre rule doesn’t apply. This of course, increases the chances of transmission. While this is so, the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) says that most planes tend to have well-circulated air, which reduces the chances of viruses and pathogens spreading —  although surfaces are still a concern for transmission.

Bus, taxi and train travel: Travelling via buses, taxis and trains will involve not adhering to the social distancing guideline of keeping a 2-metre distance between you and others. Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula announced that short distance public transport of 200km or less is allowed to carry its maximum capacity, but trains are only allowed to carry 70%. Keep this in mind when planning your travel, as you’ll most likely be in close proximity to others for long periods of time.