Growing Risk of Coronavirus – How to Travel Safe

To reduce the growing risk of Coronavirus in the city-state, Singapore’s Ministry of Health has imposed 30-day travel advisory for all Singaporeans. In addition to deferring all the non-essential travel plans, the border restrictions have also been tightened. Recently, Singapore has confirmed 23 new cases of Coronavirus.

With Singapore’s Changi Airport being one of the most interconnected hubs for travelers, the airport management has braced itself up to check travelers with any symptom of the virus. Considering Singapore’s vulnerable status towards the threats of Corona virus or MERS-Cov, we, at redBus, have decided to aware the regular travelers in Singapore about some important safety measures.

What is a Coronavirus? What are the different types of Coronavirus?

Coronavirus or CoV causes a variety of illnesses from the common cold to more complicated diseases such as SARS-CoV – Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome or MERS-Cov – Middle East Respiratory Syndrome. Corona virus is ideally ‘zoonotic’ in nature. It is transmitted from animals to humans. Several cases of SARS-CoV have been identified to have been transmitted from civet cats while MERS-CoV has been identified to have been transmitted from Arabian dromedary camels. Multiple strains of Corona virus have been identified in animals that have not been transmitted to humans as yet.

Recently, a new strain of Coronavirus has been identified in humans. The first case and the subsequent outbreak of the novel strain of Corona virus 2019-nCoV was identified in Wuhan, Hubei province of China in December 2019. 

What are the symptoms of Coronavirus? How does it spread?

The symptoms of Coronavirus can be as basic as fever, difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, cough and cold to more severe symptoms like acute respiratory syndrome, pneumonia, kidney failure and ultimately the demise of an infected individual. With the symptoms not being very different from that of a common cold, a lab test is required to confirm the infection of 2019-nCoV. 

Corona virus 2019-nCoV spreads through the respiratory route. It can spread from being in close contact with an infected individual and cause respiratory complications. Currently, people with pre-existing medical conditions like heart disease and diabetes, aged people with a weak immune system are the ones prone to infection.

What is the treatment for novel Corona virus?

Based on the current information, and taking a cue from other identified Corona virus such as SARS CoV and MERS CoV, the incubation period of 2019-nCoV is estimated to be about 14 days.

Antibiotics basically work on bacterial infection, since 2019-nCoV is a virus, the usage of antibiotics to treat coronavirus is not recommended. Currently, there is no sure cure for the novel coronavirus strain. Clinical trials of some specific treatments are in progress. The World Health Organization (WHO) is coordinating the development of treatment and medicine with partners from across the globe.

In order to protect yourself from getting infected with the novel Corona virus, you should maintain basic respiratory hygiene and safe food practices. Avoid close contact, with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.

How does one stay safe from Corona virus while traveling?

Simple hygiene and care can keep you safe from Corona virus. A preliminary investigation suggests that this virus cannot survive on the surface for more than a few hours. Simple disinfectants, respiratory hygiene, and safe food practices can help keep you away from Corona virus. Stay safe by following these simple health tips:

  • Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
  • Carry and use rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer to keep you sanitized on the go.
  • Cover your nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing. Practice respiratory hygiene. Cough or sneeze in a flexed elbow. Discard the used tissues in the nearest waste bin.
  • Wear a medical mask and cover your mouth and nose when in public places or crowded locations. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth or nose without sanitizing your hands. Though the mask does not guarantee the spreading of infection, it can limit the spread of the same. 
  • Do not reuse the mask or tissues. Follow precautions when disposing of the same. The government of Singapore is providing masks to all Singaporeans along with detailed information on its usage.
  • Avoid direct or unprotected contact with live animals in places like live animal markets or petting zoos.
  • Avoid consumption of uncooked or under-cooked animal products like milk, meat, eggs, etc. Clean your meat and eggs thoroughly before cooking and you’re your milk well before consuming. Discard any old stocks of meat and milk products.
  • If you have traveled to China or in areas where an outbreak has been reported or have been in close contact with someone who has traveled from China, it is safe to have a screening done.
  • Avoid non-essential travel to Hubei province and Mainland China.
  • Wipe down any surface you use like tray tables, chairs, doorknobs, toilet seats, etc. at public places. 
  • Avoid being in close contact with anyone who shows symptoms of respiratory illness like sneezing, coughing, fever and more.
  • If you have any respiratory symptoms mentioned above, contact the nearest medical center for the screening of the Corona virus.

Travelling in and around Singapore

With the right precautions, one can safely travel to Singapore despite the Corona virus outbreak. Singapore has set up temperature screening centers at the entry points like the airport, road entries, and sea routes. Those travelling from China, specifically Wuhan are isolated and screened. Those with a history of pneumonia or displaying symptoms of respiratory difficulty are also isolated and screened. Quarantine facilities are set up as precautionary measures for suspected cases. DROSCON or the Disease Outbreak Response System Condition is providing current updates related to Corona virus.

redBus

redBus offers safe travels between several tourist points in Singapore by ensuring the utmost hygiene in all buses. Book your bus ticket online on our customer-friendly website or download the mobile application for booking your bus ticket online.

Travel safe with redBus Singapore!