There is no doubt that the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has changed the way we live and travel and will continue to do so in the coming months and years. Currently, there are restrictions on international travel in most countries along with other measures for social distancing in a bid to control the spread of the virus. However, many countries are gradually lifting these restrictions, and some have already lifted the ban on international travel.
In view of this, and in line with advice from the WHO and other International Travel bodies, the NSTM recommends the following:
Non-essential international trips should be postponed. Travel into or out of Nigeria is currently not permitted, with exception for emergencies, evacuation flights and essential services. It is recommended to postpone non -essential trips in or out of Nigeria for the immediate period after these restrictions are lifted. Nigerians who desire to be evacuated from their current location should contact the appropriate government channels. If you must travel, first ensure government policies at destination country with regards to 14 days quarantine on arrival. Perhaps if you were considering an urgent 2-day trip, you may reconsider. Also, on return to Nigeria do you face another quarantine?
Travel is not recommended in individuals with history of contact or ongoing symptoms of Covid-19 infection. It is also not recommended in individuals with chronic medical conditions like Diabetes Mellitus, Asthma, Heart problems or immunocompromised states.
Minors and Elderly should not travel except it is necessary
Family/ Group travel is not advised at this point including visiting friends and family
For healthy travellers, general precautions remain important as for the non-traveller.
These include: Frequent hand hygiene, either by washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand rub. Washing with soap and water is recommended when the hands are visibly soiled.
Cover your nose and mouth with your flexed elbow or a paper tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose tissue immediately and perform hand hygiene.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Wear a face mask if required to do so on the plane, at the airport and while at your destination. It is important to be informed and follow the advice for best practice on the wearing, removing and disposal of face masks. Perform hand hygiene after removing your face mask.
Avoid crowded places and Keep a distance of at least 2m from others in a public place.
Stay home and self-quarantine even with minor symptoms such as cough, headache, mild fever, until recovery. Have someone bring you supplies.
For road travel, good transport companies should be used that would not overload passengers, transport companies should be used that would not overload passengers.
In case of fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention, but call by telephone in advance if possible and follow the directions of your local health authority. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.
Keep up to date on the latest information from trusted sources, such as WHO or your local and national health authorities.
Always carry at least 3 weeks supply of your regular prescription medications and an essential Travel Kit.
Take normal travel precautions. Remember you do not want to fall ill from other causes and be mistaken for COVID 19, so take your flu shots, antimalaria and avoid risky behaviours
It is also advised to get acquainted with any changes or new regulations of the airline or at the airport concerning the check in time and procedure, boarding and sitting arrangements in the cabin, bag drop off and permitted luggage weight.
On arrival at your destination, follow the national policy for self-isolation or quarantine of travellers. If you develop symptoms during your trip, contact the local health authority of the country and inform them of your symptoms and travel history. It is advised to follow the national procedures for testing, isolation, and treatment in the country. It is also important to get information on available local health care in case of emergencies and Ensure that you have travel health insurance.
A visit to your travel clinic/ family doctor for appropriate advice is recommended before all trips and the usual advice for travellers such as food safety remain valid for all travels.The importance of pre and post travel consultation cannot be overemphasized now as always.
In the pre-travel consultation, the traveller’s risk assessment is performed, education on anticipated health risk as well as methods of prevention is provided. Medication is given for prophylaxis, self-treatment, or both where appropriate. Immunization is provided for vaccine preventable diseases. Post travel consultation is also important as infections become apparent soon after travel, though incubation periods vary.
Hence, the 14-day isolation period for COVID 19 is crucial. However, some travel related diseases can present months to years after the initial infection. Travellers, therefore, need to be aware of travel related illnesses and diseases.
Remember to always have a fully loaded and charged mobile phone that can roam in all the countries to be visited.
Communicate with friends, family, and your doctor!
Travel is essential for economic and social interactions but is also an important route of global spread in highly communicable outbreaks such as Covid-19. Thus, it should be undergone responsibly to safeguard the health of the traveller and that of others.
Have a safe trip and most importantly, enjoy yourself.
Nigerian Society of Travel Medicine (NSTM)
NSTM looks forward to a time when the world will be able to freely share joy and experience rich human interactions once again through travel!
