Due to the recent Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak, most people felt discouraged to travel unless absolutely necessary. Companies are issuing travel guides or imposing a temporary travel ban for their employees as safety measures. Hotel and flight bookings have declined. Even the popular shopping malls located in major areas are not as crowded.
The tourism industry is one of the many industries that has been severely affected by it. As such, the government has recently unveiled the 2020 Economic Stimulus Package to soften the blow, according to The Star. As part of the package, all Malaysian citizens can look forward to the following incentives:
- RM100 travel vouchers.
- A personal income tax relief of up to RM1,000 for domestic travel.
- A digital voucher worth RM100 for domestic travel. This voucher can be used on domestic flights, train travel, and stays in licensed hotels in the country.
For some of us, we may not have much of a choice if travelling is part of our job. If you’re still required to travel for business, make sure to follow experts’ advice to prevent yourself from falling ill. Here’s how to travel safely during the coronavirus outbreak:
- Get yourself vaccinated
If you’re travelling overseas, particularly to countries worst hit by coronavirus (which are China, South Korea, Iran, Italy, and Japan according to CDC), get the right vaccinations depending on your destination. These are the vaccinations that Malaysians are encouraged to get based on continents:
- Asia: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis and Rabies
- Australasia: Hepatitis A, Typhoid Fever, Japanese Encephalitis and Rabies
- Africa: Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Meningococcal and Rabies
- Europe: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Rabies and Tick-Borne Encephalitis
- South America: Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Rabies
Discuss with your doctor on the right vaccination to get.
- Stay clean all the time
Staying clean all the time includes washing your hands constantly, avoiding touching your face, disinfecting your belongings, and wearing a mask. Wash your hands every time you go to the bathroom. Similarly, sanitise your hands wherever and whenever you can by carrying a hand sanitiser with you.
According to health experts, coronavirus can also spread through surfaces, for example your phone surface and the plane armrest. Carry disinfecting wipes with you and disinfect anything that you’ll come in contact with, like your plane seat. - Get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and eat well
Getting enough sleep regularly, staying hydrated, and eating plenty of vegetables and fruits can boost your immune system, making your body stronger in fighting infectious diseases like the coronavirus. - Avoid crowded places
Whether you’re visiting high risk countries or low risk countries, try to avoid crowded places. If you must go to a crowded place, make sure to put on a mask at all times and take the necessary precaution. If you see people who are coughing or showing signs of a respiratory illness, stay away from them. - Get coverage for Covid-19
To protect yourself and your loved ones, it’s highly recommended for you to get a coverage for Covid-19. Such coverages are widely available at the moment, and some of the coverage providers you can consider include:
- Free Life Insurance with Special Covid-19 Coverage by Boost
- Special Coronavirus Coverage by Prudential
- Extra Coverage for Covid-19 by AIA
- Financial Assistance Programme for Covid-19 by Great Eastern
- Covid-19 Coverage and Benefit by Tokio Marine
Should you have any doubts or wish to seek health advice regarding Covid-19, contact the Crisis Preparation and Response Center (CPRC) hotline or email them at:
- Hotline: 03 88810 200 / 600 / 700 (operating hours: 8 am – 5 pm daily)
- Email: cprc@moh.gov.my