The SARS-COV-2 virus emerged in December 2019 in the Yuhan region of China and spread globally causing a pandemic. The fact that the COVID-19 pandemic has not ended and that SARS-CoV-2 with its ongoing mutations remains a public health threat is confirmed by the latest epidemiological data worldwide. In Cyprus in recent weeks an increase in the number of cases with recent travel history has been observed in both tourists and Cypriot citizens. With the lifting of measures by most countries it appears that SARS-COV-2 is on the rise with a new wave of infections therefore in view of the summer holidays all travellers are advised to follow the guidelines below.
Guidelines
The risk to the traveller varies depending on the destination country. For persons belonging to a high-risk group, special care is recommended when travelling outside Cyprus to avoid the risk of serious illness and hospitalisation.
In addition to the need to strictly apply personal protection measures (before, during and after travel), vaccination of the population is a particularly important measure to limit the transmission of the disease. Of course, even fully vaccinated travellers need to follow the recommendations and requirements of the country of destination regarding the measures in place to limit Covid-19 infection.
Before travelling
Check the following websites for current restrictions on travelling to the country/region of destination
- Re-open EU https:/reopen.europa.eu
- IATA Travel Centre https:/www.iatatravelcentre.com/world.php
- CDC COVID-19 Travel Recommendations by Destination https:/www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/map-and-travel-notices.html
In addition, you can refer to the websites of the Ministries of Health, Ministries of Foreign Affairs or the Embassies and Consulates of your destination countries for relevant information.
Postpone your trip if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms such as difficulty breathing, coughing, etc.
During the trip
- Practice hand hygiene, frequent hand washing with soap and water or use of an alcohol-based antiseptic is recommended.
- Practice respiratory hygiene, covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing with a tissue or inside the elbow is recommended. Dispose of used tissue in a closed pedal bin. Avoid contact of hands with mouth, nose and eyes.
- Maintain a physical distance of more than 1.5 metres in all indoor and outdoor areas.
- Apply the rules for mask use in the country of destination.
- Avoid contact with persons with respiratory symptoms.
After return
- Monitor your health for 10 days.
- Stay home if you develop a fever or symptoms of flu-like illness.
- Proceed with laboratory testing for COVID-19 and speak directly with your Personal Physician, mentioning your recent trip.
(AF)
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Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
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