#PINASafeTravel: The New Normal Guide to Responsible Tourism

With the recent COVID-19 pandemic that has affected countries from all over the globe, we are urging everyone to LEARN and ADAPT to the new normal of travel and tourism through our #PINASafeTravel advocacy on the New Normal Guidelines to Responsible Tourism.

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The PINASBests advocacy shares that each of us need to take our health more seriously with the focus mostly on hygiene, sanitation and how to be responsible to ourselves and to others. Surely, the pandemic has made us aware of the importance of taking care of ourselves, our homes and communities.

And with the ban on tourism and travel from across the country starting to be lifted. It is time to work on our safety together and practice how we can effectively Protect Ourselves and Others from COVID-19 with…

#PINASafeTravel

P – Practice Proper Hygiene At All Times

Even before the pandemic, practicing proper hygiene is a must. Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds and taking a bath everyday at home will prevent you from catching disease-causing bacteria from places you’ve been to.  This is why the New Normal Guidelines encourages you to wash your hands:

• Before and after every meal
• After using the toilet
• After visiting a public place
• After you sneeze and cough
• After touching your mask
• After making contact with an ill person
• After petting animals

If there’s no soap and water, use a hand sanitizer that has a minimum of 60% alcohol. Make sure to cover all corners of your hands.  Refrain from touching parts of your face if you haven’t washed your hands.

• Avoid Cash Transactions

As much as possible, use a credit card, debit card or electronic money which you can avail at the nearest store to limit contact with other people.

I – Influence and Educate Your Family and Friends On How To Stay Safe from COVID

Educate yourself and loved ones about COVID-19 and its safety precautions. Share your knowledge to your peers, friends and family.

• How does COVID-19 spread?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 is spread by making contact with a surface or a person within 6 feet that has a virus and then proceeds by touching his/her face.

• If I were exposed to COVID-19, how long would it take for me to become sick?

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that the incubation period or the time between exposure and symptoms is 2-14 days.

• How long does COVID-19 live on surfaces? Is it safe to handle mail and packages? What about take-out food?

A study in New England Journal of Medicine stated that their laboratory tests results showed that the virus was detectable on plastics and steels for up to 72 hours, cardboard for up to 24 hours and copper for up to 4 hours.

• How long do COVID-19 particles remain in the air? Is it safe to go outside for a walk, even if I stay 6 feet away from passersby?

COVID-19 viral particles remain suspended for half an hour in the air and disperse fast. This concludes that you’re unlikely to be infected airborne unless you’re physically close to an infected person.

Engage in physical activities like walking and jogging. Good health is a must in this pandemic we’re facing. The risk of becoming infected with an airborne virus while walking outside but with social distancing is relatively low.

• Inform Your friends of the safety measures you are taking through Social Media

The New Normal Guidelines can only work if we practice and share it. So try to let others know of how you continue to stay safe during your travels. And influence your followers to travel safely. Besides showing the beautiful destinations you’ve been too, educate them on how you protected yourself throughout your vacation.

N – No To Physical Contact and Observe Physical Distancing

As much as you want to hug your friends, loved ones and family that you haven’t seen for months, prioritize safety and observe social distancing.

• Refrain from going to public places

Even if we’re not in a pandemic, overcrowded places are too much of a hassle. The New Normal Guidelines encourages individuals to search for places that many people haven’t been to and is convenient and adventure-worthy.

How to properly observe Social Distancing

• Keep your distance. Ensure that you’re at least 6 ft away from other people.
• Do online meetings instead of meeting personally.
• Refrain from hugs and hand contacts. When you meet someone, find another way of greeting them. Though research shows that fist bumps and high fives spread less bacteria than holding hands, stick to no-contact options.

A – Always Wear Your Mask and Face Shield

• Masks should be worn in addition to staying at least 6 feet apart, especially around people who don’t live with you.
• If someone in your household shows symptoms or has coughs and colds, people in the household should take precautions including wearing masks to avoid spread to others.
• Don’t forget to always wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before putting on your mask.
• Properly wear your mask over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin.
• Fit the mask snugly against the sides of your face, slipping the loops over your ears or tying the strings behind your head.

S – Stay Vigilant and Travel Safe

As we move towards the new normal guidelines for travel or tourism, it is even more important for you to stay vigilant at all times.

• If you have cold or flu-like symptoms, stay at home observing the 14-day quarantine.

Always mind your symptoms. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19. Seek medical advice and get tested for COVID-19 test should these signs be significantly present.

As much as possible, stay in a specific room and away from other people and pets in your home. If possible, you should use a separate bathroom.Whenever you need to be around other people or animals in or outside of the home, wear a mask.

If you have COVID-19 you must isolate and follow the directions of your local Public Health Unit.