What to expect if you go for a business trip during the pandemic?

As we know, the whole world is now facing a health crisis as the coronavirus is spreading all over the world. A lot of countries are now controlling their flights and companies are trying their best to limit business trips.

In some cases, employees are still required to go to the field particularly to solve issues. If you are the chosen one, and if you are facing a dilemma to proceed or not, that is normal.

Here are 3 tips on how to handle travelling related to work

1. Corporate's New Ways of Managing Business Travel

After the coronavirus outbreak, all companies have modified their travel safety. trip approval procedures and security policies. Non-essential business travel is now being restricted. Employers are also making business travel approval tighter than ever.  

Your HR departments most probably refer to standard organizations like WHO and CDC on your do's and don'ts about your business trip. All cases will be reviewed individually and thoroughly by superiors. Depending on your travel destination, you need to decide which routes are the safest.

Do refer to your HR department before your trip.

2. Air Travelling and Hotels

Many airlines and hotels boost up their cleaning and disinfection SOPs more thoroughly and frequently.  Your chances to catch the virus by breathing is low because of most planes equipped with air filters that recycle the air every few minutes.

Also know that sitting or touching a surface that is inhabited by the virus will not make you catch the virus. It is by touching the surface and then touching your nose or mouth within 10 minutes only will get you infected. 

If you might cancel your flight, check the cancellation procedure so you will know how much you are getting back and how long it takes. You can also choose to book your flight tickets only when the date is near. 

Double-check if your travel insurance will cover your losses if your flight will be cancelled due to the COVID-19 sudden outbreak. Seek your friend who has knowledge of travel insurance that covers your losses in case your flights are cancelled or you changed your mind. At least you get back a part of your money(or your company's).

3. Here's How You Can Stay Safe During the Outbreak

a. In the airport or plane

• Bring along a sanitizer(greater than 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol) or disinfecting wipes.
• Apply on armrests, table tray, remote and other surfaces that you will touch.
• Poops contain viruses too. Make sure you are extra careful when using the toilet or lavatory.

b. In the hotel

• Wipe stuff like switches, door handles, remote controls and surfaces that you will touch using sanitizer or wipes.
• Wash your hands regularly and wash it thoroughly around 20 seconds.

c. Other general tips during your trips

• Avoid touching your face
• Avoid handshakes
• Wear surgical face mask(if you have one)
• Cover your mouth and nose while sneezing or coughing
• Practice social distancing
• Reduce contact by paying using e-wallet or credit cards instead of cash
• Exercise in the morning, keep yourself hydrated and get enough sleep
• Avoid or reduce smoke and alcohol intake
• Do not participate in social gathering especially after-work dinner or drinking session
• Do not plan for sight-seeing tour as you might catch the virus from other travellers

We hope you can find alternatives by getting what you want without having to travel. If you still need to, we hope these tips are helpful to you. Recently, many airlines and hotels are more flexible and allow cancellation and late booking at no charge.

We wish you all the best and travel safely!

"SAFETY FIRST IS SAFETY ALWAYS" - Charles Hayes