UAB health experts advise on safe family vacations

The destinations are open for summer vacation, but does that mean it's safe to travel with your family?

The most important consideration when traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic is risk assessment, said Curry Bordelon III , an assistant professor at the UAB School of Nursing .

The last thing anyone wants is to go home sick on vacation. Practice social distance for your safety and that of others. (UAB)

What are the risks associated with your destination, whether you are traveling by plane or car? If you are traveling by plane, Bordelon says you should consider the number of flights available, the number of connections, the size of the airport, and the transportation from the airport to your destination. Are you going to use a shared car, bus or taxi, or rent a car? Are you staying in a hotel or travel destination?

"We often take these steps for granted, but now we have to be very careful when deciding on our travel plans," said Bordelon. "Despite the fear of traveling and crowds, there are ways to protect yourself and your family while enjoying a well-deserved time."

Each family or group must determine the risks they consider acceptable for their vacation. Bordelon shared recommendations and what he and his family enjoyed doing during the pandemic.

Airlines

Many airlines have implemented COVID 19 fallback plans, such as: B. Limited flights, restrictive seats and alternative entry processes. Most recommend at least face masks and improve the surface cleanliness of the passengers. Some airports have added additional hand washing stations and offer masks for travelers.

Is Bordelon the primary concern of air travelers? Pay attention to all surfaces that you touch during the flight process.

"Avoid touching surfaces with your hands: every point of contact is a potential for transmission. Use alcohol or hand sanitizer to clean surfaces you come into contact with, such as seats, palm rests, tablet and table backs, and top handles. Use automatic doors and avoid touching escalator rails or railings on trains. If you need to touch a surface, be sure to disinfect your hands and avoid touching your face. TSA enables additional volume for hand disinfectants.

"Maintain social distance and wear masks in public; be sure to bring additional masks. I feel safe to travel domestically by plane, but for now I avoid going abroad. I have an additional mask and a hand sanitizer in my backpack. ""

dare

For shorter trips or if the transmission risk for one person is considered too high to travel by plane, people may consider traveling to a destination. If you plan to travel by car, you should consider the steps required for your destination, Bordelon said.

"Everyone has a distance limit on the street, especially with children. You need to refuel, stop eating and take organic breaks.

Keep a hand disinfectant in your door compartment. This allows you quick access after a stop. I have a hand pump disinfectant on every driver and passenger door for quick access. Keep extra masks in the car just in case. ""

accommodation

Bring alcohol wipes to clean hotel surfaces such as armrests and phone receivers. Wear a mask at the reception and only use the elevator with your family. (Donna Cope / Alabama NewsCenter)

It can be difficult, said Bordelon. There are so many options for travelers, from hotels to personal rentals: the key is doing your homework. Large hotel chains have access to cleaning and environmental staff to clean between guests. Small hotel chains or private rentals may not have the same high cleaning capacity. Everyone has to demonstrate how to protect customers, he said.

"Consider putting cloths on clean surfaces in the room. Use your elbow or sleeve to select the elevator doors. Avoid crowded spaces in elevators, lobbies, pools, etc. Wear a mask in public wherever you can. I feel comfortable in most large hotel chains. ""

Catering and entertainment

We all expect this when we travel; For the most part, we travel "for food, family and fun," said Bordelon. For larger entertainment venues such as amusement parks and sporting events, the restrictions remain in effect. Water parks can be an entertaining destination at this time of year. Most children's zoos and centers remain closed or begin returning to school. Be smart, said Bordelon.

If you have to go to the beach, take your family to less crowded areas. (Donna Cope / Alabama NewsCenter)

"Wear your mask when you're in the crowd or when you go to the table in the restaurant. When you're there, you can remove it and enjoy your meal. Wash your hands before you eat: the hand sanitizer is great for dinner We have eaten in several different restaurants since it reopened and felt comfortable doing so.

"Do your homework for larger rooms. Find out about your return plans and available activities. Be prepared and patient. We're big fans of the zoo, botanical garden, local parks and pools in the neighborhood, and plan to visit each of our favorites when it reopens. ""

This story originally appeared at the University of Alabama on the UAB News website in Birmingham.

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