How to limit your COVID-19 exposure and stay safe

Travelling by airplane, toll road or public transport? Staying at a hotel or self-catering venue? No matter how you're spending your time over the holidays, it's important to adhere to the preventive measures that limit your exposure to COVID-19 and keep you (and others) safe.

When travelling...

• Public transport: Wear a mask at all times - covering both your nose and mouth - and take two or three masks along so that you can change them as needed on a long trip. Always carry alcohol-based sanitiser with you and wipe down surfaces before you sit on them. Ensure windows are open in the vehicle.
• Private transport: Make sure that everyone in the vehicle understands the preventive measures required to limit exposure to COVID-19 at tolls (sanitise immediately after handling cards or cash when paying at tolls), rest stops (make the stops brief) and other public areas. Use alcohol-based sanitiser to wipe down public areas that you will come into contact with.
• Airplanes: Follow the strict safety protocols the airline requires. Direct the airflow nozzle above you towards your head to maximise the flow of fresh air. While air filters on the flight will remove viruses in the air, you still face a risk of exposure to COVID-19 when in long queues or in contact with frequently touched areas in airports and on the airplane. Wash and sanitise your hands often.

When staying at a hotel or similar accommodation...

• When you get to your accommodation, open the windows and get fresh air in. Wipe down commonly touched areas with alcohol-based sanitiser.
• Choose to take part in outdoor activities as much as possible.
• Wear your cloth face mask at all times when out in public.
• Keep your distance from others when standing in queues and observe sanitising procedures in public spaces, like bathrooms. If you have to be in a queue, try to make it for as short a time as possible.
• Use online reservation and check-in systems, mobile room keys and contactless payment options if they are available. This will make sure that you avoid touching cash or other commonly touched surfaces that allow illnesses to spread.
• Phone ahead to ask about the hotel's strategies to prevent the spread of COVID-19. There is no need to deep-clean and sanitise every surface. High-touch areas like door knobs and kettles should be sanitised, and regular handwashing with soap and water should kill any viruses.
• Limit your use of common areas within the hotel as much as possible such as public bathrooms, ATMs, hot tubs, swimming pools, salons, gyms and spas.

When shopping...

• Ensure you leave home with your face mask and hand sanitiser.
• Limit your use of ATMs and cash, opting for contactless or mobile payment options.
• When using stairs, escalators or elevators, avoid touching commonly touched surfaces and sanitise your hands after using the area.
• Choose outdoor shops if possible as you will enjoy greater ventilation and limit your risk of exposure to COVID-19.
• If you are grabbing a bite to eat while out shopping (although it is best to avoid this as much as possible), ensure you adhere to general preventive measures (mask wearing and physical distancing). Try to eat outdoors or sit near windows at well-ventilated restaurants.