5 Tips for the Safest Business Transportation During COVID-19

If there’s one thing we’ve all done more of during COVID-19, it’s working remotely. But what happens when you can’t work from home?

It’s not a luxury everyone has, and often we need to continue our commutes and business transportation, even in the face of a pandemic. How can you commute safely, while reducing your risk of disease?

Luckily, we can all stay safer when commuting by following a few simple steps. To learn more, keep reading to find five tips for safely traveling for business during COVID-19.

Wear a Mask

When it comes to pandemic commute safety, it should be no surprise that wearing a mask is our number one recommendation. Whether you’re on the train, in a taxi with colleagues, or catching a flight, a personal mask is the easiest way to both protect yourself and keep others safe.

The CDC, or Center for Disease Control and Prevention, recommends always wearing a mask when you’re out in public with people who aren’t from your immediate household.

Masks are a barrier that protect us from repository droplets that get into the air when someone sneezes, coughs, or speaks. When commuting, it’s not always possible to keep to social distancing requirements, so masks are essential to protect you.

Look for masks with at least 2-3 layers of fabric, as this will provide the protection you need.

To assist staff, companies might want to provide masks for all staff when they are in cars or taxis for business meeting transportation, ensuring they stay safe.

Carry Sanitizer and Cleaning Wipes

Another way to stay safe when traveling is to always have hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes with you. The simple act of wiping your hands with gel can kill the germs and bacteria you’ve come in contact with.

It’s helpful to always keep these supplies in your handbag or briefcase, so you don’t risk getting caught out without them. This is especially important if you take public transportation, as thousands of people pass through the trains and buses every day, which increases your risk.

You may think something like a business car rental is safer than a taxi, which it can be, but they aren’t without risk either. When picking up a rental car, always use your antibacterial wipes to clean key areas of the car, such as the steering wheel, door handles, and dashboard controls.

Although the car has probably been cleaned by the rental company, you can never be too careful.

Be Flexible

In a COVID-19 world, it’s helpful to bring some flexibility into your routine. For example, if you work 9-5, you’re going to be on public transportation during peak travel times, in large crowds.

If you’re able to adjust your working hours, starting later or earlier, you may find that the public transportation systems are less crowded, which means a lower risk of disease transmission.

Always plan in advance as well, checking to see if there have been any adjustments to timetables during the pandemic. Delays and changes to routine are commonplace this year, so having patience will help you as well.

If you’re organizing group transportation for an event, such as a company outing or business meeting, it might be helpful to think outside the box. Instead of taxis, why not hire a sporting transportation company to transfer everyone via a bus or limo?

This reduces your risk of contagion from public transportation or taxis, and you can travel with peace of mind to your destination.

Limit Contact with Surfaces

Bacteria and diseases can live on surfaces such as railings, tables, or chairs for longer than you might think. To stay safe on your commute, limit contact with surfaces as much as possible.

It’s always tempting to grab onto railings when walking up stairs, lean against the side of the bus, or sit on the bench while waiting for the train, but the best way to stay safe is by limiting contact.

For example, when on the bus, only hold onto the railing with one hand, instead of both. Then, when you get off the bus, use hand sanitizer immediately, before taking off your mask or touching your face.

This will limit your risk of disease, helping you stay safe on your daily commute. If you drive to work, take the same care when filling up at the gas station or paying tolls.

Social Distance

It’s not always easy when commuting, but try to social distance as much as you can. Try to stay at least six feet away from other people, which is about the length of two arms.

It’s one of the most effective ways to reduce disease transmission, and many buses and flights are reducing their passenger numbers to make social distancing easier.

Try to practice social distancing while you’re on public transportation, but also when waiting at bus stops or train platforms. However, in large cities, this can be easier said than done, and you’ll notice that some people don’t respect the importance of social distancing.

In these cases, you’ll be glad to have your mask and hand sanitizer!

Stay Safe with These Business Transportation Tips

Keeping business up and running is essential to the economy during COVID-19, so we can’t completely cease business transportation. However, we can use the safety tips above to reduce risk and stay safe when commuting or traveling to meetings.

If you’re a frequent business traveler, it’s essential to use the tips above. They will help keep you and your family safe, helping to end the spread of COVID-19.

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