Despite the Public Health Agency of Canada continuing to advise against non-essential travel outside of the country, there are some Canadians still willing to take the risk. TuGo advises against ignoring the Government’s travel advisories too, but if you do choose to go, your health and safety still remains our top priority. With that, here are some important things to keep in mind when travelling during a global pandemic.
What to consider before travelling outside of Canada
Travelling comes with risks to your personal health and safety, and it’s up to you to give each one proper consideration before going through with your trip. A good place to start is by checking official travel advisories issued by the Government of Canada. It’s also good to familiarize yourself with local health risks and travel requirements or restrictions specific to your destination, as well as policies specific to your airline.
TuGo Travel Insurance & COVID-19
Not sure how your travel insurance coverage works? While a non-essential travel advisory (level 3 or 4) is in place, COVID-19 is not covered for travel outside of Canada. Find out more by downloading “COVID-19 Coverage for TuGo Policies”.
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Because of the unprecedented nature of COVID-19, things can happen at such a fast pace and your travel plans can be disrupted with little warning. In some cases, you may even be forced to remain outside of Canada longer than you expected, especially if you become ill.
Health & safety tips to reduce the spread of COVID-19
If you do decide to travel outside of the country, here are some basic tips to protect yourselves and to help reduce community or widespread transmission of the coronavirus:
- Do your best to avoid crowded areas like retail stores, public transportation and public event venues.
- Wash your hands often with soap, for at least 20 seconds under warm running water.
- Pack alcohol-based hand sanitizer, for times when soap and water aren’t readily available, as well as disinfecting wipes to wipe down surfaces you might come into contact with.
- Avoid touching your face, especially your mouth, nose or eyes. But if you need to cough or sneeze, use a tissue or the inside of your elbow.
- Maintain physical distancing at around 2 metres (6 feet) when possible.
- Safely wear non-medical masks or face coverings when physical distancing is not possible.
- Thoroughly sanitize your hotel room yourself.
Returning to Canada
Under Canada’s Emergency Order under the Quarantine Act, travellers entering Canada by land, sea or air are required to self-quarantine for 14 days. There are penalties for non-compliance.
Want to avoid all the potential risks of international travel? Consider a family-friendly road trip and travel within our vast, beautiful Canada instead!
Remember, it’s every traveller’s responsibility to their destination and home country to act with personal and public safety in mind. For now, the risk might be greater than the reward, but that will change. In time, we will travel again, and the world will be there to greet us.
Stay safe,
Justin
