Do I need to buy a medical mask when traveling

Regardless of whether you succumb to the general panic about the coronavirus, or soberly assess the situation with the epidemic, simple logic suggests that now you need to buy a medical protective mask if you plan to travel.

Recent data show that the virus can live outside the human body for several minutes, but under ideal conditions (humidity and temperature within 20 degrees) it can persist up to 42 hours. And this means that when moving in transport, especially equipped with a ventilation and air conditioning system, there is a very high probability of a very rapid spread of the virus from one sick person in the cabin. Moreover, just for example, just the other day, the Minister of health of Thailand said that foreign visitors to the country who do not wear protective masks should be expelled from the country. Perhaps these words will remain just a threat, but the essence of the intentions should be clear. Therefore, while the situation with coronavirus is not completely normalized, it is worth adding another point to your list of things in a suitcase for travel – a set of medical masks.

But do not give in to panic in this matter, and buy masks only if they are really needed, and not for the future for several years to come. After all, in most cities of Russia there is not even a theoretical threat of the spread of the epidemic due to the frosty climate and low population density, and now it is much more urgent for Russians to carry out traditional prevention against influenza and acute respiratory infections.

Well, do not forget to get travel insurance, it is now (in 2020) needed more than ever. About how and where to get travel insurance you can read here...