Travel Safety Tips
The following are recommendations to help minimize the spread of COVID-19 immediately before and while traveling to AFA experiences. These are not requirements, but rather best practices that have been effective for other organizations. We realize that some recommendations may not be feasible for your institution or individually, but we expect attendees to adhere to these guidelines, whenever possible.
Consider travelling by consistent groups to and from experiences, especially if by car, to help minimize the potential spread of COVID-19 amongst those traveling from the same University, organization or city. Individuals traveling in groups and adhering to general sanitization, masking, and physical distancing requirements would only be considered high-risk to others in their unit, and as a result minimize the risk of spreading the virus to other groups.
Hold pre-conference meetings virtually, whenever possible.
Have all individuals in your travel party adhere closely to the standard recommendations to reduce the spread of COVID-19 including masking, social distancing, and sanitization efforts. As much as possible, have cohorts limit in-person interaction with those not in the cohort. Explain that the best chance of attending the Conference is dependent on their actions in the weeks prior to the event. Clearly communicate all expectations to everyone in the travel party.
If traveling by bus or van, take into consideration how much social distancing can be accommodated. If possible, consider bringing additional vehicles to allow more space between individuals.
Implement strategic placement of individuals for all travel. Cohort previously uninfected individuals with those who have been previously infected and subsequently recovered within the prior 90 days. Maintain the travel cohorts that have been used for other travel purposes, if possible. The seating chart should also take into consideration on-campus housing roommates.
While traveling, wear masks at all times except when eating. If possible, prohibit eating or drinking in vehicles or airplanes.
Open windows of van or bus when feasible.
Limit unnecessary meals and/or food.
Before eating, wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Eat outdoors, if possible.
Utilize “grab and go” meals.
If travel party must eat as a group indoors, adhere as closely as possible to the strategic placement of individuals.
When drinking water, utilize straws under the mask.
Develop a contingency plan for how the travel party will handle an individual who tests positive once at the Conference. This may include bringing an additional vehicle or understanding the possible need of reserving an extra hotel room. Consideration should be given to the duration of isolation required for someone who tests positive and quarantine for those deemed in close contact.
Consider what transport options would be available for those in isolation or quarantine, especially for individuals or groups that travel by plane.