Now that the world and Australia are recovering from the spread of coronavirus and COVID-19, a slow return to normalcy is on the horizon. Many are especially excited for the start of regional travel throughout our great country on June 1st.
Last year, domestic tourism in our nation hit an all-time high, and it has been growing by leaps and bounds for decades. Australians are more mobile than ever, and after months of isolation, we are ready to get back out there.
Safe travelling is at the forefront of everyone's minds at this time. Whether you need to take a business trip, wish to visit some of your relatives, or want to do some hiking and camping in the Outback, you want to make sure that you stay safe and healthy all the while. Carrying first aid kits can help, but knowing how to travel safely in this day and age is much more than that.
Read on to learn about how to be safe when traveling regionally in Australia in the coming months. When you know how to protect yourself, you can enjoy yourself much more and keep others around you safe, too.
What to Know About Coronavirus and COVID-19
You have likely been hearing about and learning about coronavirus and the illness it causes, COVID-19, for many months. At some point, the information you learned about it may have even become overwhelming, and you may have begun to just turn it off. The information that doctors and scientists are discovering about coronavirus and COVID-19 grows every day and we, the public, are learning it right along with them.
Today we know that coronavirus causes respiratory illness. People who contract this illness may experience only mild symptoms such as runny nose, a high fever (FeverMates Stick on Thermometers can help!), sore throat, fatigue, and a cough, or they may not experience any symptoms at all.
Some people experience severe symptoms that can lead to hospitalisation. If an individual has difficulty breathing, experiences ongoing chest pain or pressure, is confused, or exhibits symptoms of a stroke, they should seek medical attention right away.
People over the age of 65 and people with other conditions like asthma, high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, cancer, and others are at the most risk of complications for coronavirus. However, complications can happen to anyone at any age, even those without any pre-existing conditions.
How Coronavirus Spreads
If you are planning regional travel in the near future and are concerned about save travelling throughout Australia, it's important for you to know how coronavirus is spread.
After many months, it seems clear that coronavirus spreads mostly from person to person. Because it is a respiratory illness, it spreads through droplets of moisture in the air. When you breathe or speak, these droplets are sent out through your mouth and can be inhaled by others.
Therefore, the most common way to contract coronavirus is through close contact with an infectious person. You can also catch it by being near someone who has it who coughs or sneezes.
Less commonly, coronavirus can be spread through surfaces. If an infected person sneezes or coughs on a surface, or touches his or her mouth or nose and then touches the surface, it can leave infected droplets behind. If you then touch that surface and touch your face, you can contract it as well.
Because this is a new virus, there is little immunity worldwide. Immunity is growing and spreading, but it still has a very long way to go.
Safe Travelling for Australian Regional Travel Today
Thanks to efforts by our government and our people, coronavirus is relatively under control in Australia. As a result, we can return to regional travel, but it's crucial we don't drop our guard and that we continue practices to keep ourselves and our countrymen and women safe moving forward.
There are many preventative measures that you can take when traveling to help you stay healthy.
Wash Your Hands
Washing your hands frequently is the best way to avoid getting sick. Use soap and rub your hands together for at least twenty seconds. Cover all areas and wash them front and back; rinse, and use towels to dry. When you travel, you should wash your hands at least once an hour, if not more. If you have no soap and water handy, ensure you have our best hand sanitiser gel.
Using hand sanitiser, like Australian made FeverMates Instant Hand Sanitizer, on a regular basis when you can't get to a sink can be helpful as well. We carry hand sanitiser 500ml gel and hand sanitiser spray.
Face Masks
The Australian government has stated that if you feel well, you don't need to wear a mask. This is true, but many people feel more comfortable wearing one anyway.
Gloves
Some people also feel comfortable wearing gloves. Disposable gloves can be very helpful because they remind you not to touch your face. However, it's important to remember that gloves touch everything that you touch, so unless you change them often, they are no better than dirty hands. Hand sanitiser is generally a better option.
Distancing
The Department of Health recognises that the more space one puts between themselves and others, the harder it is for the virus to spread. Therefore, it recommends that people separate themselves by 1.5 metres distance, and that physical greetings like handshakes, hugs, and kisses be avoided.
Public Transport
When we take public transport, we are often closer to others than is safe. Travellers should try to maintain a 1.5 metre distance from others at all times, but sometimes that's not possible. Do your best.
If you are sitting inside a bus or airplane, you might consider wiping down your area with disinfectant wipes before you get settled. This can help clear the area of infected droplets to help keep you safe. You can also buy hand sanitiser online and carry it with you when out and about.
First Aid Kits
It's always a good idea to carry a travel first aid kit like our Small Leisure First-Aid Kit or our Medium Leisure First Aid Kit when you travel. A well-stocked first aid kit is full of useful items for any problem you may encounter. Most include disinfectant wipes and gloves which are great for staying helping you safe against coronavirus while you are on your trip.
Have a Great Trip
Now that you know how to prepare for safe travelling as regional travel in Australia returns, you can feel much more confident about staying healthy as you get back out there. Australia is out there and is waiting for you, you just have to be careful and aware, and remember that coronavirus has not disappeared entirely. Good luck to you and safe travels!
If you are interested in buying a complete first aid kit for your trip, your office, or your home, please check out the rest of our site. We have first aid kids, hand sanitiser gel and spray, alcohol wipes, and supplies for every need and occasion, and we look forward to serving you.