The Travel Store takes seriously the health and well-being of the students and adults who travel with us every day.  With concern for our customers and employees, we are taking proactive steps in relation to the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

We are monitoring reports by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, the U.S. Department of State, and local agencies.  Based on their current information, there is no recommendation to alter domestic travel plans at this time.

We are in constant communication with our vendors and suppliers to assure their proactive steps and preventative measures meet our requirements.  We have implemented the following preventative measures for our office staff and travel coordinators:

• If applicable, consider receiving the flu shot.  This is not a requirement by The Travel Store, but it is strongly encouraged.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• If you are scheduled to be on a trip and are experiencing the slightest feeling you may be sick, please call Kathy Freund, the General Manager, immediately.
• Use a tissue to cover a cough or a sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash.  Wash hands or use hand sanitizer immediately following disposal.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Most important of all:  Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or as long it takes to say the alphabet or sing Happy Birthday, twice.  Please do this after using the restroom, blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing, and before eating.  Every Travel Coordinator has received instructions for the proper method of washing hands.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Low Touch Salutations – For the time being, refrain from shaking hands as you meet the teachers, drivers, and parents during the trip.  Instead of hugging or shaking hands, consider an elbow bump.   This is a temporary precaution until the danger of spreading COVID-19 has been alleviated by the CDC.
• We have confirmed with the motor coach carriers we use that they will be enlisting a very similar, if not identical, policy for their drivers and will carry the suggested equipment on each bus.  We recommend that each of you prepare a Prevention Kit to carry with you on any field trips you have in the foreseeable future.  Include in this kit hand sanitizer, tissues, and travel-size disinfecting wipes.  It has also been recommended by the Georgia Department of Public Health to stay hydrated to thwart disease.
• Remember if you think you might have been exposed to someone with cold or influenza type symptoms, stay home and call the office or General Manager immediately.
• Follow the CDC’s recommendations for using a face mask.
  • The CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Face masks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.  The use of face masks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a healthcare facility).

We will continue to be vigilant in our actions to ensure the safe travel of our employees and passengers and will post any updates as required.