Reducing the risk of covid transmission

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Almost a year since the COVID-19 outbreak broke out, we must limit all activities outside the home. Various agendas ranging from homecoming, family vacations, business trips, and year-end tours must be postponed because of the risk of transmitting COVID-19.

The condition of the COVID-19 epidemic is still ongoing, the incidence is still increasing, and the risk of transmission of cases is still around us. Can we still refrain from traveling because the risk of transmitting COVID-19 still exists? What precautions can reduce the risk of pushing yourself to go on vacation?

The risk of catching COVID-19 during vacation trips

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that vacation travel increases the risk of catching and spreading COVID-19. "Staying at home is the best way to protect yourself and others," writes the CDC on its website (13/11).

The Indonesian government, through the Task Force for Handling COVID-19, has also given an appeal regarding the COVID-19 protocol during the holidays. They appeal to the public not to come to tourist destinations because they have the potential to create crowds.

"People are urged to take advantage of long holidays without increasing the risk of contracting COVID-19. You have to be smarter and sort your holiday destinations well, don't crowd, and go to places with potential crowds, ”said a spokesman for the COVID-19 Handling Task Force, Wiku Adisasmito, at a press conference on Thursday (12/11).

In a series of holidays, being on a trip is a situation when the risk of transmitting COVID-19 is quite high, especially those who use public transportation. The use of trains, planes and buses carries a high risk of transmitting the virus.

Not only when in public transportation, but while waiting for the time to depart, it also increases the risk of contact with the source of infection. This is because the number of people in the same place and at the same time, especially if the room is closed with inadequate ventilation, will increase the risk of transmission. Many studies say confined spaces with poor ventilation increase the risk of airborne transmission (airborne).

On the plane, the CDC said air filtering and circulation were working properly so as to minimize the risk of transmitting COVID-19 in the cabin. “After all, it's hard to keep your distance on busy flights that fly for long hours. These conditions can increase the risk of transmission of COVID-19, "wrote the CDC.

COVID-19 Outbreak updates Country: IndonesiaData

1,024,298

Confirmed

831,330

Recovered

28,855

DeathDistribution Map

Reducing the risk of transmission

The risk of transmitting COVID-19 cannot be eliminated as long as the source of transmission is still there, therefore the best way is to avoid crowds and reduce activities outside the home. But if you still decide to go on vacation, follow these tips to reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19.

1. Before deciding on a vacation spot, pay close attention to the number of cases of transmission in the destination area, making sure that this location is not a red zone.
2. Take a COVID-19 test before leaving and make sure all group members have tested negative.
3. Wear a mask and wash your hands frequently, and make sure you bring soap or hand sanitizer wherever you go.
4. Try to only hang out with your group and keep a distance from people outside the group.
5. If possible, choose to travel by private vehicle. Driving a private vehicle allows you to control interactions with strangers.

To reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19, there are other options, namely by holding parties at home with small families. The CDC says that having a Christmas or New Year party with only family members in the household is a way to spend the holidays with the least risk of transmission.

Inviting family members from different homes increases the risk compared to just the same household.

Those who are prohibited from traveling or are advised to stay at home

The following groups are required and advised not to travel, including:

1. Those who tested positive for COVID-19. Keep in mind that those who are positive for COVID-19 even without any symptoms can still transmit the virus to other people. So keep doing isolation for 2 weeks until the test results show you are free from the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
2. Those who have symptoms of COVID-19 (cough, fever, diarrhea, loss of smell, or shortness of breath) should stay at home.
3. Those who have had contact with a positive person with COVID-19 in the past 14 days.
4. Those who are awaiting the results of the COVID-19 test.

In addition, those who are prone to the risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms such as the elderly or have comorbid diseases are expected not to travel on vacation and stay away from potential sources of transmission.