Many older adults have minimized travel and avoided getting out on gorgeous summer days for fear of contracting COVID-19—or getting sick in general. Although there are still concerns, summer travel should now be mostly safe to resume. Persons 65 years and older, in particular, should take some easy precautions to help limit exposure and enjoy their summer days without the same amount of worry as before.
Continue to Wear a Mask
Masks may not be mandated, but they're still an effective method for staying safe. Just because others in the area are not wearing one does not mean a person worried about getting sick cannot utilize the safety precaution. Anyone concerned about the possibility of getting sick this summer should wear a mask when out in public places among others.
Stay Up to Date With Vaccinations
The CDC recommends everyone stay up to date with their vaccinations. This layer of defense can help keep symptoms to a minimum should a person contract an illness. There are many restaurants, cruise ships, and popular destinations that are still requiring patrons to show vaccination status or proof of a negative test before entering. Sticking to visiting these locations can also help people limit their exposure.
Check COVID-19 Numbers Before Traveling
Anyone planning on traveling to a different state, or even city, should check that location's COVID-19 numbers before heading out. It's best to avoid visiting a place with high numbers to minimize the risk of also catching the disease. The CDC website allows users to check by state and county to see if the current number of cases is on the high or low end. A county in the yellow "medium" category and orange "high" category should be avoided until it has been updated to a green "low" status.
Keep a Steady Supply of Hand Sanitizer and Cleaning Products
Public surfaces get touched often, and by many people. For that reason, it's always best for people worried about getting sick to keep a steady supply of hand sanitizer and cleaning products on them while traveling. Any time a new surface gets touched, using hand sanitizer can help reduce the spread of germs until the person can get to a sink and wash their hands properly. It's also best to wipe down surfaces with disinfectant wipes or spray and clean with other effective products when staying at a hotel or other place of lodging.
Designate One Person for Errands
Every single person at a party should not go inside every business visited. When a group stops for gas, for example, just one person should head inside to pay or grab snacks. It helps to keep exposure to a minimum. This person should be the one who is the least at risk of becoming seriously ill. Anyone at high risk should avoid going around large crowds whenever possible.
COVID-19 and other illnesses are a serious concern to older adults. With some precautions in place, though, people of any age can work to minimize their risks and still maintain safe travels while enjoying activities through the summer months and thereafter. Reach out to Senior Helpers Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Sunnyvale, or Santa Clara for further guidance, or if you need respite care or additional services.