International flights to resume on March 27: Steps to take while travelling amid COVID-19

After two long years, India is set to resume regular international flights on March 27.

In an official statement, the Ministry of Civil Aviation stated, “After having recognised the increased vaccination coverage across the globe and in consultation with the stakeholders, the Government of India has decided to resume scheduled commercial international passenger services to/ from India from 27.03.2022, i.e. start of summer schedule 2022."

While it is a good sign and people can now feel more relieved, one must remember that the COVID-19 pandemic is not entirely over yet. It still poses great risk, especially with the emergence of new variants every now and then.

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The novel coronavirus can be highly unpredictable. Emergence of variants has made it even more enigmatic. While in some it causes mild to severe infections, some people do not experience any symptoms at all.

With the emergence of Omicron infection, the symptoms took a milder turn, leading to cold-like symptoms, which while manageable were more confusing and difficult to determine. According to the UK's Zoe symptoms App, a scratchy throat, runny nose, sneezing, fatigue, body pain and gastrointestinal problems can be signs of Omicron.

So, in light of such symptoms, Prof Tim Spector, head of the ZOE app, urges everyone to get tested immediately. That said, if you're planning a trip but have symptoms, it is recommended that you sit this one out and wait for the reports to come out as negative.

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Experts believe COVID-19 vaccination minimizes the risk of severe illnesses. While breakthrough infections are prevalent and may occur in people of all age groups, vaccines prevent hospitalization and death.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 can lower your risk of getting and spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. Vaccines can also help prevent serious illness and death."

Additionally, those who are eligible for booster vaccines should receive it sooner. COVID booster shots are said to be effective against the Omicron variant.

Travelling may expose people to symptomatic and asymptomatic COVID-19 patients. As per experts, well-fitted face masks are an effective way to prevent infection from SARs-COV-2 virus.

Both fully vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals should cover their nose and mouth properly while travelling. Those who are older, suffer from medical conditions and children, most of whom are yet to receive their COVID-19 vaccines, should wear their masks at all times.

Although it is impossible to maintain distance on a flight, avoid as much contact as possible. Physical distancing is one of the best ways to prevent infection. Although in-flight ventilation and air filtration systems are said to cut down the risk of airborne transmission to a large extent, maintaining social distance can add on to the level of protection, experts suggest.

While face masks are extremely important and must be worn at all times, some of the other essential items to carry while travelling amid COVID-19 are, hand sanitizers, gloves, disinfectant wipes and your personal first aid kit. For Indian travellers, the mobile application, developed by the Government of India called Aarogya Setu App, must be downloaded on your phone.