As the country rebuilds and recovers from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more people are beginning to return to their usual routine before all the lockdowns happened. However, because there are still rules that need to be followed to keep everyone safe, it seems like you can never really return to your normal life. That’s why people are calling what we’re experiencing the new normal.
In the new normal, you can do almost every activity you did before the pandemic started but with a few restrictions. You still need to wear your mask and present your vaccination card whenever necessary. Some places also have a max capacity to avoid overcrowding. So, even if you have more freedom now, you should still be aware of the different rules you should abide by.
Traveling in the New Normal
One of the activities you can do again in the new normal is travel. However, before you do so, you should still stay safe and practice safety protocols when traveling. Here are some tips on how to practice safe new normal traveling:
Get Tested
In order to travel safely, it is important that you get tested. RT-PCR tests are now easy to find and are more affordable than they used to be. Knowing if you are positive or negative for COVID-19 is important to keep you and others safe.
Most borders and checkpoints also require a negative result from an RT-PCR or Antigen test that should not be older than 72 hours. If you don’t have extra time to get your test done beforehand, you don’t have to worry. Cebu Pacific has laboratory partners which are DOH accredited and can release test results within 24 hours or within the required timeline of your chosen destination. They have partnered with Health Metrics, PADLAB, and SDDI which offer RT-PCR results within 24-72 hours.
Bring an Antivirus Kit
If you are out and about, it is important that you are prepared. An antivirus kit contains face masks, face shields, alcohol, wipes, vitamin C, paracetamol, and gloves. These are your tools to make sure you stay healthy during your trip.
Travel in a Private Vehicle
One of the safest ways to travel in the new normal is with a private vehicle. This will help you ensure that you don’t have strangers near you, you can properly practice social distancing, and you can control your surroundings.
What to Do in the Airport
If you’re traveling in the new normal, you need to learn about the new process when going through the airport. Unlike before, more steps have been added to ensure that everyone is following the rules set by the government.
Upon arrival at the airport, you have to present your ticket or flight information at the main entrance. Then, you can proceed to the check-in machines at the entrance or check in online for a faster process. You can also self-tag your bags for a quicker bag-drop process.
At the check-in counter where bag drops are done, you have to present your requirements and government I.D. We highly suggest that you print out your requirements for a faster transaction.
Remember to practice social distancing when checking in for your flight. There are also crew members in the area to make sure that everyone follows the safety protocols.
Once you’ve boarded the plane, make sure to keep your masks on and refrain from getting up from your seat. All the crew members are dressed in PPE and though there is minimal contact throughout the flight, the crew will make sure that passengers are attended to if needed.
Guidelines to be Followed at the Airport
Now that the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has successfully opened its international and domestic terminals, travelers need to follow a set of new normal rules and regulations issued by the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
The rules and regulations in NAIA airport for this “new normal” to further prevent the spread of the COVID-19 disease are as follows:
- Wearing masks is required at all times inside the airport. The Manila International Airport Authority shared that it has already purchased surgical and washable face masks for its employees and is in the process of identifying the appropriate personal protective equipment that they should use.
- Mandatory body temperature checks will be done.
- Social distancing measures shall be strictly observed at all queuing points inside and outside the terminal building. When seating, a “one-seat apart policy” shall be enforced. Acrylic barriers are already installed in all check-in counters and help desks across the four NAIA terminals.
- A “no contact policy” will be observed in security procedures. The Office for Transportation Security has been advised to maximize the use of x-ray machines, portable scanners, handheld metal detectors, and the like to limit manual frisking unless necessary.
- Only passengers with valid travel documents and confirmed bookings for the day will be allowed to enter the airport facility.
- All NAIA facilities and equipment will be disinfected regularly. Comfort rooms will be continuously cleaned and stocked with a steady supply of hand wash, hand sanitizers, toilet paper, and paper towels.
- Foot baths will remain at all entry and exit points for passengers and airport personnel.
- Safety precaution posters will be displayed in all terminals. MIAA will also release alert bulletins through airport information boards and its social media sites.
- All departing and arriving passengers are required to electronically fill out the Health Declaration Form and Passenger Locator Forms for straightforward contact tracing.
Resume Achieving Your Travel Goals
Now that travel has been permitted once again, it’s time to start traveling after spending two years stuck at home! There are many places that you can now travel to without worrying too much.
If you want to travel locally, one of the most popular places that are now open to tourists is Boracay. Just be sure to follow the rules for traveling to Boracay for a flawless experience. You can also start visiting other places in the Philippines and enjoy the wonders of the country!
On the other hand, if you want to be a little more adventurous, you can always go out of the country and explore beautiful places in other parts of the world. You only need to do your research regarding the specific documents each country will require you to present. This will differ for every country you are looking to visit, so it’s best to prepare for your trip thoroughly.
