Keeping the Spring Travel Bug at Bay

It has now been a full year since #lockdowns against the novel #coronavirus went into effect worldwide, shutting down in-person gatherings such as concerts, conventions, school and sporting events. People canceled their trips due to travel restrictions, and most haven’t boarded a plane since.

A year later, the prospect of taking a pleasure trip has improved. With three COVID-19 vaccines being administered nationwide, many of the most vulnerable segments of the population are starting to get some protection against the disease. But we’re not out of the woods yet, and you may still want to hold off on planning that jaunt.

Spring fever, of course, is an affliction that worsens with the rising temperatures. You probably want to go out and do something — anything — that involves fresh air, sun, scenery and social interactions. For the next few months, however, the safest bet is to get creative while breaking the routine.

One safe way to shake up the routine is to take a “staycation,” Everyday Health says. Just set aside time to create your own spa experience, meditate or explore parts of your own hometown on foot. You can also try bring one of your dream destinations home for a night; if you can’t go to Italy, for example, make some fresh pasta and cue up a Fellini film.

If you absolutely must get out of town to preserve your sanity, consider taking a camping trip with the people in your family or “pod,” says the Washington Post. If you observe masking and social distancing rules with anyone unfamiliar, camping is one of the safest ways to enjoy the outdoors while avoiding the spread of the virus.

One thing the Organizing Blog advises doing in the spring is a thorough #cleaning and #decluttering. Throw open the windows and enjoy the fresh air as you scour; once you sort out extra stuff you don’t need and #donate it to ClothingDonations.org, your home will be much more livable.

One more way to keep the travel bug at bay is to plan your dream trip(s) for the future. Experts say that domestic travel could return to normal once most people are vaccinated, and that is currently targeted to happen by the start of summer. International travel may have to wait a while longer, depending on the destination.

When you decide to travel again, you’ll have that much more pent-up anticipation for your trip — and maybe enjoy it more thoroughly as a result. But wherever you go, stay safe: Wear a mask, wash your hands and observe social distancing. Travel is fantastic food for the soul, but you don’t want to gamble with your health.

How to Sanitize Those Delivery Boxes

According to the latest information, the novel #coronavirus can stay infectious on cardboard surfaces for up to 24 hours. The CDC hasn’t offered any guidance on whether you should disinfect packages before they enter your home, but a spritz of bleach solution or quick wipedown never hurts. Neither food nor food packaging has caused any known cases of COVID-19 so far, according to the Food & Drug Administration; but as you stay in and cook more, remember to observe proper food handling and storage procedures.

Disinfect Clothing, Textiles and Your Hamper, Too

Experts says that the novel #coronavirus lasts less than 24 hours on textiles, and doing laundry using regular soap and a hot dry cycle should #disinfect most garments effectively. You should disinfect any surfaces that the clothing came into contact with, however, including the hamper and your hands. Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, and clean and disinfect the hamper as you would similar household surfaces. Last, don’t forget to #sanitize outerwear, purses and backpacks with a spray or wipe.

Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces in the Home

The CDC recommends you disinfect high-touch surfaces inside your home daily to prevent the spread of COVID-19, particularly if anyone has entered or exited recently. The novel coronavirus can survive up to three days on surfaces, so target doorknobs; tabletops; kitchen and bathroom sinks, counters and faucets; toilets; light switches; remote controls and game controllers; and phones and tablets. Use an EPA-approved disinfectant appropriate to the surface you wish to keep virus-free.

Wash Your Hands to Prevent COVID-19

Washing your hands is the CDC’s top preventive measure to lower the risk of contracting the novel coronavirus or passing it along to others. Wash your hands after you cough, sneeze, touch your face or use the bathroom. Wash before and after you change locations, too — when you leave for and return from a grocery store or pharmacy, for example. Frequent washing can leave your hands dry and chapped, of course, so be sure to moisturize with a dab of lotion when necessary.