“We have to learn to live with the pandemic” and so, many countries in the world that were shut down have started unlocking gradually and people have started traveling as well. However, traveling won’t be the same as it used to be earlier and there are many new guidelines that everyone will have to follow in order to curb the spread of COVID-19. The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) recently released an advisory for people traveling via air. Here is a quick glimpse of what you need to follow:
General Precautions:
- Download and register yourself on the Aarogya Setu app on your mobile and use
only digital mode of payment for taxis, etc. Use only authorized taxis. - Vulnerable people like elderly, pregnant women, people with underlying medical conditions should prefer not to travel for the time being.
- Ensure wearing protective equipment as per the prevailing requirements. He/she must however wear a mask throughout the journey.
- Social distancing and minimum touch should be ensured by the passenger.
- Do not travel if you are staying in a containment zone or tested positive for COVID-19.
Reaching The Airport:
- Web check-in should be done in advance and the boarding pass should be printed. Baggage tags should also be printed and affixed to the baggage before reaching the airport.
- In case of inability to print a baggage tag, write your name and PNR number on a piece of paper and tag it with the baggage. Limit your luggage to one check-in and one cabin baggage only.
- Reach the airport at least 2 hours prior to the departure time with all the required documents.
At The Airport/Airplane:
- Get your thermal screening done and keep your ID card handy.
- Avoid the use of trolleys as far as possible and adhere to social distancing.
- Chairs marked ‘Not For Use’ should not be occupied.
- Pay attention and follow all the announcements being made at the airport as well as in the aircraft. Follow proper hand and cough hygiene.
- Minimize the use of toilets and unnecessary movement in the aisles.
- No meals will be served in the aircraft. Do not consume anything during the flight.
- If the passenger feels unwell, it should be immediately brought to the notice of the crew.
Arrival:
- Strictly follow the instructions by the crew and social distance to be maintained everywhere (ramps, aerobridges, arrival gates, etc.).
- Wait at the baggage hold area till the baggage arrives in batches. Transit passengers will not be allowed to come out of the transit area.
- Use only authorized taxis from the airport.
- Strictly follow safety measures and hygiene while traveling in any mode of transportation.
- Adhere to health protocols as prescribed by the destination State/ UT.
Amidst the chaos of traveling from one city to another, air travel is probably the safest option, given all the precautions taken by the airlines regarding the distancing among the passengers, proper sanitization, air filtration system as well as PPE kits being worn by the crew. Disinfecting surfaces like seat handles, door knobs, overhead bins is also being taken care of.
Therefore, in these tough times, where the whole world is at a war with the novel coronavirus, we as responsible citizens must follow all the rules and regulations laid by the respective authorities and help combating the virus. Social distancing and hand and cough hygiene are to be maintained throughout the journey as well as elsewhere. Do not travel unless very necessary and in case you have any symptoms of COVID-19, stay home and get yourself tested.
