The year felt like it lasted a decade, and we all deserve to put our feet up as we head into the holiday season. If 2020 has taught us anything, it is that we should not let our guard down, even when we are on a break.
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic remains a constant threat and will be an unwanted guest at our holiday destinations. We must continue to practice the necessary health protocols to ensure the disease does not ruin our time of rest and renewal.
Accidents happen, but there are mitigating measures that will help you deal when disaster strikes. The Mosaic Funeral Group has compiled the ultimate holiday guide that will help you prepare for unexpected emergencies. We help you keep the pieces together.
Let’s start with the basic preventative measures that go a long way to protect you, your family and other people.
These measures include:
- Washing your hands regularly with soap or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a flexed elbow or a tissue, then throw the tissue in the bin
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
Keep your distance
December holidays are synonymous with crowded beaches and family gatherings. It is, however, essential to avoid crowds whenever possible. The Scientists Collective recommends that people limit groups to less than 15 minutes. Avoid handshakes, hugs and other forms of direct contact and maintain a distance of at least two metres from those who don’t live in your household.
Wear a mask
Masks are considered the first line of defence and should be a standard accessory whenever you go out in public and will be in close contact with people. Use your discrepancy when to wear a mask when you are outdoors. The rule of thumb is to wear a face-covering whenever social distancing is difficult. This may be on a crowded beach or hiking trail.
Play outside
People are advised to host gatherings outdoors and to allow for social distancing between members from different households. There is no evidence that the virus can be spread to people through the water in pools, hot tubs, or water playgrounds. Limit your contact with commonly touched surfaces or shared items and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after touching any common surfaces like hand railings, payment kiosks, door handles, and toilets.
Avoid indoor venues with poor ventilation
Indoor gatherings with poor ventilation pose a higher risk of exposure to COVID-19 than outdoor gatherings. Wherever possible, open doors and windows to allow fresh air to circulate. Limit the number of attendees as much as possible and ensure social distancing is possible. If social distancing is impossible, people should wear masks.
Speak to a doctor if COVID-19 is suspected
Protect the most vulnerable in your family, which include the elderly and those with comorbidities by practising the above precautions and limit close contact.
Seek medical advice if you, a friend or a family member are showing symptoms associated with COVID-19.
The most common symptoms are:
- Cough
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Shortness of breath
The threat of your holiday plans derailing is not limited to the pandemic, and the Mosaic Funeral Group included a few more tips that will hold you in good stead not only on holiday but in general.
Update your will and other policies
Make sure that your last will is up to date and if any information needs to be updated or changed, do it before you leave. While you’re updating your will, make sure that all your other policies are up to date and paid up.
This includes your home, car and life insurance, travel insurance, funeral policies, etc. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that if something tragic were to happen, you would still be covered for everything you should be. Call Mosaic Funeral Group for more information or advice on 0860 000 556 or visit their website at mosaicfunerals.co.za.
Keep in touch
Make sure that a few close people have a detailed copy of your travel plans and have your itinerary. Arrange a few key points or times during your holiday, such as leaving or arriving at a new destination, to check-in with friends and family to let them know that you are fine.
It’s in the mail
Before you leave, send an e-mail to yourself with all your important information such as any user names and passwords, pin numbers, ID numbers, passport information, etc., and attach copies of your ID and passport, details of your accommodation and anything else that you could need. This way, you can access the information from anywhere if something gets lost.
Arrive alive
The idea of a holiday is to leave the rat race behind and go at a leisurely pace. There is no need to rush to your destination. Take in the scenery on your road trip and make regular stops along the way. Remember that you may be a cautious driver, but your fellow road users may not. So, remain vigilant and alert.
Who to call?
Make sure you know who to contact in case of an emergency. Contact details for some emergency services in South Africa are:
- Emergency (National): 10111
- Emergency (Cellphone): 112
- ER24: 082 124
- Netcare: 082 911
- Mosaic Funeral Group: 0860 000 556
- RFS Repatriation: 082 416 1680
- DAN (International Diving Emergencies): 082 810 6010