how to self quarantine travelling

How To Self-Quarantine If You’re Travelling

If you’re currently travelling amid the coronavirus outbreak and are asked by authorities when entering a country to self-isolate, we’ve got some tips on how to self quarantine if you’re travelling.

Follow the relevant authority advice from the country you’re in, but here’s some tips that will help you pass the time safely.

What does self-quarantine mean?

  • Self-quarantine means staying in your home, hotel room or provided accommodation, and not leaving for the period of time you are required to isolate for. Do not allow visitors into the home/room!

Tips For How to Self-Quarantine If You’re Travelling

1. Choose an Airbnb Over a Hotel

Staying inside for 14 days (the recommended time for self-isolation for coronavirus) is tough enough without being in just one room.  If your budget allows it, try book into an Airbnb. You will have more space and less intrusion from housekeeping etc. The less contact with people the better.

Try not to take public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares.

How To Self-Quarantine If You're Travelling

2. Take Note of Local Medical Services

Find out where your nearest hospital or clinic is, and write down emergency helplines. If you get sick with fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other signs of respiratory illness, call the local health department.

3. Keep in Touch With Family & Friends

Reaching out to people you trust is one of the best ways to reduce anxiety, depression, loneliness, and boredom during social distancing, quarantine, and isolation. Your family and friends might worry about you, especially if you are far from home. Make use of social media to stay in touch.

4. Keep Your Surroundings Clean

While the virus is not spread very well from contact with soiled household surfaces, try to clean surfaces that you share with others, such as door knobs, telephones, and bathroom surfaces (or any other object that you sneeze or cough on), with a standard household disinfectant such as Clorox wipes. Wash your hands after cleaning the area.

5. Stay Entertained!

Avoid watching or listening to news reports 24/7 since this tends to increase anxiety and worry. Don’t rely too heavily on the television and technology. Treat quarantine as an opportunity to do some of those things you never usually have time for.

You might feel upset at spending time indoors when you’re in a new country, but make the most of it and try stay upbeat. Exercise indoors and play games rather than scroll online.

6. Make Use of Food Delivery Apps

You might be tempted to eat out, but remember – stay indoors! You can still taste the local cuisine via a food delivery service. It helps to self-quarantine in a city as you will most likely be able to order food and groceries online.

7. Don’t Under Estimate The Importance of Self-Quarantining

Consider the real risk of harm to yourself and others around you. The public perception of risk during a situation such as an infectious disease outbreak is often inaccurate.

Sarah Clayton-Lea

Co-founder of Big 7 Travel, Sarah created the company through her passion for championing the world's best food and travel experiences. Before her career in digital media, where she previously held roles such as Editor of Food&Wine Ireland, Sarah worked in the hospitality industry in Dublin and New York.

Contact [email protected]

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