Covid transmission

Almost all airlines in Indonesia started operating after the relaxation of Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB). Even though you can travel by plane, avoiding the risk of contracting COVID-19 must remain a major concern. What should be considered?

What is the risk of transmitting COVID-19 in airplane transportation?

As long as the pandemic is not over, traveling by any type of public transportation can increase the risk of contracting COVID-19.

COVID-19 is transmitted through droplet (saliva splashes) from an infected person when sneezing, coughing, or talking. Transmission can also occur through contact with a surface contaminated with the virus which then goes to the face.

Because it has weight,droplet only lasts a few seconds in the air before falling to the surface. This is due to the gravitational force on earth.

A study conducted by the Global Center for Clean Air Research and Queensland University states that there is a possibility that COVID-19 can stay in the air longer if it is indoors, especially in rooms with limited ventilation.

An airplane cabin is a very closed space with a limited air volume. Many people worry about this condition when they take airplane transportation. However, there are differences between aircraft cabins and other enclosed spaces.

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The cabin of the aircraft has good air filtration and circulation. This minimizes the risk of contracting COVID-19 in the aircraft cabin.

"Most viruses and other germs do not spread easily in aircraft cabins because the air is properly filtered and circulated," quoted from the website of the American Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC explained that the key to reducing the risk of transmitting COVID-19 when traveling by plane is maintaining a safe distance or physical distancing with other passengers.

It's just that, another study states that sitting one or two seats away from infected passengers has an 80 percent potential for contracting it. Meanwhile, other passengers who are further away have a much smaller risk of contracting it.

If the airline does not limit the passenger capacity, it is difficult to keep the distance when all seats are fully occupied. The longer the aircraft travel time, the greater the risk of transmitting COVID-19 on the plane.

Anticipating the risk of contracting COVID-19 at the airport

If you intend to travel by plane, you need to know that the risk of transmission does not only occur while on the plane. You must also anticipate the risk of transmitting COVID-19 at the airport, especially at the time check-in, momentboarding, and while in airport lounges.

“The security check queue (security check) have the possibility of close contact with other people and contact with surfaces that are frequently touched by those around them, "said the CDC.

The risk of transmitting COVID-19 through contact with a surface contaminated with the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 can be avoided by maintaining cleanliness.

While at the airport, wash your hands frequently with soap and running water or by usinghand sanitizer. Do not forget, also avoid the habit of touching your face.

It's just that the toilet is a risky place because there are many surface objects in it that are often touched, such as door handles and sinks. Clean your hands after touching these surfaces.

Protocol to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 when traveling by plane

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends vacating two rows of seats between passengers on planes. This criterion was allegedly successful in reducing the risk of transmission by as much as 45%.

Through the Circular of the Director General of Air Transportation of the Ministry of Transportation Number 13 of 2020 concerning Air Transportation Operations in a Productive and Safe Community Activity Period from COVID-19, the Indonesian government limits passenger capacity on aircraft to a maximum of 70%.

The circular also contains several health protocols to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 while traveling by plane. Following are the protocols to reduce the risk of transmission at the airport.

1. Passengers arrive three hours before departure and bring medical documents according to applicable requirements.
2. Passenger takes body temperature measurement. Passengers with fever symptoms (at least 38 ° C) are not allowed to enter the terminal area.
3. As much as possible passengers do check-in in a manner on line.
4. Passengers are required to wear a mask and comply with applicable medical examination procedures.
5. All airport officials are required to wear masks, gloves and wash their hands regularly.
6. Air circulation at the airport must work properly.
7. Ensure the airport area is hygienic.
8. Put up a guard distance sign on passenger service facilities.

Besides at the airport, there are also protocols to reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19 on an airplane, which you need to know as follows.

1. Maximum passenger capacity is 70 percent.
2. Airlines are required to increase routine aircraft cleaning, especially on frequently touched objects such as seats, seat belts and items in the toilet.
3. All crew and passengers are required to wear masks. Cabin crew wear face shields (face shield) when handling passengers.
4. Provide soap and hand sanitizer.

In times of a COVID-19 pandemic like this, the best way to avoid transmission is to do activities from home. However, if you are forced to do activities outside the home, you can take precautions by first knowing the risk of transmission.