The cases of people infected with COVID-19 have spread in most parts of the world. In the Gulf Region, the number increases every day, causing some government officials to issue a travel ban.
With this epidemic, people avoid large crowds or would rather stay at home. But for those who need to travel, the government issued tips on how to be safe from the virus.
Qatar Issued Nine Safety Travel Tips
Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, Qatar has issued travel bans to other countries such as Egypt, China, and Hong Kong. In an advisory from Qatar Airways, passengers from China, Iran, South Korea, and Italy who have onward connections through Hamad International Airport can travel. Qatari nationals are allowed entry, but are required to go to a quarantine facility for 14 days.
Passengers coming from Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore will undergo screening upon entry, and those who show symptoms will go through another set of screening. Those who test positive will be admitted in a medical facility. However, those coming from Egypt will not be allowed entry even if they have a Qatar Residency Permit. But Qatari nationals are exempted from this ban.
For those who really have to travel, precautionary measures should be observed. Various reliable sources issued advisory on how to be safe from the virus, such as washing one’s hands or staying away from crowded areas. Wearing of masks is advised, but is not applicable all the time.
The Civil Aviation Authority released a video entitled, “Important Tips for Travelers.” This video, which runs for almost one minute, shares important tips for travelers:
Important Tips for travelers to prevent from #coronarvirus #aviation #Qatar #Doha #civil pic.twitter.com/LluwYVAlG3
— الطيران المدني (@CAAQATAR) March 2, 2020
Here are the tips mentioned in the video:
- Cancel or postpone travelling to places affected by the novel coronavirus
- Wear a medical mask in crowded places
- Avoid close contact with people who have respiratory infections
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 30 seconds
- Avoid eating meat and eggs that are not well cooked
- Constantly clean and disinfect things and surfaces
- Avoid any contact with animals
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
If you feel any symptoms or coronavirus-like fever, runny nose and sore throat you should go to the nearest medical center. It is also important to observe personal protective measures, such as carrying alcohol and disinfecting the hands and surfaces that we touch. It would also help to keep social distance when going out.