Travelling with Kids in Times of Coronavirus: What Precautions Should You Take?
Young children can contract COVID-19 too, although the symptoms are usually mild, like low-grade cough and fever, according to an article on Harvard Health Publishing. But unlike adults, they are likely to spread the infection rapidly. Around eight out of every one lakh children require hospitalization for coronavirus, and one in three needs intensive care. If you are planning to travel with kids amid this pandemic, you need to take the necessary precautions to stay protected against the virus.
It is only natural to feel restless after months of being under lockdown at home. To break the monotony, you may wish to travel to an international destination and give yourself as well as your family a good break. However, if the idea of taking Mumbai to Colombo flights causes concern, remember to choose an airline that ensures the highest hygiene and world-class sanitization measures laid down by the WHO and the local government. While your in-flight experience will be safe, it is recommended to take the following personal precautions throughout your journey.
Before boarding your flight, ensure that your child’s immunization is up to date. Since the COVID-19 situation is changing each day, check with your pediatrician regarding the vaccine schedule. Regular vaccinations strengthen the immune system, protect against infectious diseases, and can prevent the child from getting sick, according to an article by UNICEF. Even if the child falls ill, antibodies will get created to fight the illness.
Children must be taught to avoid touching handrails, security trays and ticket kiosks. Since it could be difficult to remain alert at all times in this regard, sanitize their hands after every 30 minutes. Make sure they are not touching their eyes, mouth or face frequently. You can take advantage of airport washrooms and get their hands cleansed with soap and water before boarding the flights from Colombo to Mumbai.
Child masks, gloves and face shields are a must while travelling with children amid the pandemic. Get breathable cotton masks to avoid respiratory discomfort for them. Masks should not be pulled down under any circumstances. Face shields can be worn before boarding Colombo to Mumbai flights. As a responsible parent, carry extra masks for the little one, just in case one gets wet.
If you are travelling with a nanny, educate her about the dos and don’ts at the airport. Make sure she maintains high levels of cleanliness and hygiene around the child. You need to encourage them to sanitize their hands, wear masks and avoid touching surfaces. They must cover their face with an elbow or a handkerchief while sneezing or coughing. The caregiver must stay away from crowded aisles while handling the kid.
It is challenging to keep children away from touching random areas. As a smart parent, consider wiping the seats and handles with a surface disinfectant. The top flights are already performing deep cleaning after every 24 hours, and touchpoints are regularly sanitized. The cabin crew is also trained appropriately to reduce the chances of spreading the virus. So, even basic cooperation on your end can help mitigate the risks of COVID-19 to a great extent.
While you check for Mumbai to Colombo flight fare, you also need to learn about the safety precautions taken by airlines. You can pick one that assures powerful HEPA filters to trap 99% viruses and offers gowns to customers in the middle seats. Being mindful of these little details can keep your child well-protected against the disease.
