These are difficult times right now. There is a lot of uncertainty. No one really knows when the situation is going to be normal again. It’s definitely not the time when anyone would want to travel. In fact, we would highly recommend against any kind of travelling right now. But what to do if you are already on a trip? What if you are working or studying abroad?

What to do if you are now stuck abroad?

Should you be worried? Should you try to get home as soon as possible?

Here are some tips What to do if you’re stuck abroad during the Corona virus outbreak:

1. Follow the news

Staying updated about the current situation is very important. 

But try to follow the news without getting stressed out. Panicking won’t help.

Evaluate news sources and ignore fake news. Consume only real news from established news sources.

2. Follow the local advice

Talk to locals, talk to the staff at your hotel or guest house and find out what they think.

Sometimes, as a tourist, you can’t get the full truth, as the local news does not always get translated.

Find out what is the situation in the country you are currently staying in. Follow the local advice on how to act and what to do.

3. Find out if you will be granted an Emergency Stay Permit

If you currently are staying in a country with a visa, find out what will happen once your visa will expire. 

Will you be able to extend it? 

Many countries now are granting emergency stay permits for those who overstay their visas. Find out if the country you are currently staying in is issuing emergency stay permits. If not, what are your options? If you need assistance, contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

4. Do not ignore warnings from the local government

This goes without saying, but do not ignore warnings from the government! If it’s advised to stay at home to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus, stay home!

If the government announced a complete lockdown, abide by the rules and stay at the hotel. Go out only when it’s allowed — usually there are a couple of hours when people are allowed to go out to get some food. 

Failing to follow the laws implemented by the government may result in fines or even detention.

5. Practice social distancing

If there’s no lockdown or movement restriction, practice social distancing to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus.

Avoid crowded places! Avoid public transport. Do not attend or organise parties! 

Keep a distance of 2 metres as much as possible.

Also, do not travel between cities or islands. Not only you’ll expose yourself (and others) to the virus, but also you’ll risk being stuck somewhere you didn’t want to be, in case the government announces a lockdown.

Remember, the situation changes not by the week, but by the day, even by the hour. 

Also, avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms.

6. Stock up some food, but do not panic buy

We all must make ethical decisions in this pandemic. Do not take more items than you need. Leave them for other people. You are not the only one who needs them! Let’s support each other!

If there will be a full lockdown, you will be notified some time in advance (usually, a couple of days in advance), so you’ll be able to get to the store and get everything you need.

7. Practice good personal hygiene

No matter where are you staying — in your home country, or abroad — always practice good personal hygiene at all times!

Wash your hands frequently. Especially when you are in public places, and come home / to your hotel from a public place. 

Also you must wash your hands before preparing or eating food, after using the restroom, and after coughing or sneezing.

Wash your hands with running water and soap for about 20 seconds.

If you don’t know this already, this is the time when to learn to wash your hands properly. See the instructions below:

Use hand sanitiser when you can’t use water and soap. Rub the hand sanitiser over all the surfaces of your hands and fingers until your hands are dry. This too should take around 20 seconds.

Do your best to avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose with unwashed hands. 

Clean surfaces regularly with simple disinfectant to kill the virus and protect yourself and others.

8. Know the symptoms of COVID-19

The most common symptoms of coronavirus are fever, tiredness, and dry cough.

In severe cases, people experience difficulty breathing.

9. Practice good cough ethics 

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue paper when sneezing and coughing. Discard the tissue afterwards. Do not carry it around!

Wear a mask if you have a cough or runny nose.

10. If you become sick, seek medical help immediately

If you become sick, check with your local authorities for the latest advice on seeking medical assistance.

Note, that there is no specific medicine to prevent or treat coronavirus. You can relieve your symptoms if you: rest and sleep, keep warm and drink plenty of liquids.

Antibiotics do not work against viruses (including COVID-19), they only work on bacterial infections.

Remember, most travel insurance policies won’t cover coronavirus treatment, especially if you are in the Warning Level 3 area.

11. Stay safe, and don’t panic!

These are hard times. There’s conflicting information about the pandemic. People are losing their jobs. People are frightened and isolated. Borders are getting closed. All of it takes a toll on a person. Especially if they are currently stuck abroad, or trying to get home. It is scary.

And the more we read news, the more anxious we become.

Responses to this pandemic are varied. Some people are rather calm, but others respond with shock and panic. 

Remember — it’s really tough to deal with stuff if you are feeling panicky. Try to calm yourself. If you are not panicking it doesn’t mean you are wilfully ignoring the situation.

Be careful of what media and opinions you consume during the virus. Remember, that other people’s views and troubles can be contagious.

12. Go home if it’s possible

If you have decided to go home, it may be tricky, very tricky, right now. The borders of most countries are closed, and flights are cancelled. You may be facing a real issue. 

However, many countries are organising emergency flights for their citizens. Contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and / or the embassy to get the newest updates on coronavirus repatriation.

DON’T TRAVEL ANYWHERE IF YOU HAVE FEVER AND COUGH!

Travellers must monitor their health closely for 2 weeks upon returning from a country with infection.

Once you have arrived home — If you seek any kind of medical attention, you must inform the clinic of your travel history.

 

Stay safe and healthy!