Christmas is saved – theoretically. After the announcement of the Federal Government to loosen the Corona restrictions over Christmas and New Year’s Eve in almost all Federal States, meetings “in the closest family or friend” up to ten people are possible. Before the big meeting on Christmas Eve it would be advisable to avoid all contacts as far as possible, which makes especially the journey to the family the biggest challenge.
Travel by train
ÖBB has announced that it will double the number of mask checks on trains, with “security teams” travelling on almost half of the trains to inform passengers that masks are compulsory. This should be kept on the entire journey.
Travel by bus
Flixbus could provide a little more relaxation on the trains: the bus company, which had temporarily suspended its trips at the beginning of November due to corona contact restrictions, announced that it would resume operations for the Christmas season. To the hygiene concept Flixbus writes: The carrying of a mouth & nose protection is obligation, the buses are cleaned regularly, disinfected and supplied continuously with fresh air. Also the Check-In is to function contactlessly, besides the guests are asked to use provided hand disinfectant.
Travel by plane
According to a Harvard study, traveling by plane is less dangerous than shopping in a supermarket in terms of coronavirus infection. This is due to the many safety precautions that are taken: According to the study, compulsory masks, regular disinfection and above all the air filters in the aircraft provide safety despite the tightness. Airlines such as Lufthansa or Eurowings also offer the possibility of “buying” the middle seat for an additional charge, so that it remains free. With Eurowings this costs 18 euros. Since November 12, Lufthansa has also been offering its passengers free quick tests on individual flights between Munich and Hamburg.
Car
The safest way to visit family or friends over the holidays is in your own car. If you don’t have one, you can rely on car sharing or rental offers. Here too, providers have raised hygiene standards since the Corona pandemic. For example, “Sixt” promises that every car will go through “a multi-stage cleaning process” based on the recommendations of the WHO. “car2go” and “ShareNow” informed on their website that they would disinfect their cars four times more often than usual since April.
Conclusion
Travel is a risk factor these days. Whether by train, train, bus or freeway service stations – all travel hubs will be more frequented during the Christmas vacations. Basic requirements for safe travel are therefore always: Wear a mask, wash your hands and keep your distance wherever possible.
By the way, travel restrictions in Austria will be implemented starting December 19.
- hector pascua, Picture: pixabay.com
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