Considerations for Essential and Non-Essential Travel.

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In this week’s newsletters, we are discussing considerations for resuming travel, both personal and business. In Monday’s newsletter, we discussed personal health and destination considerations. Today’s focus is on considerations for essential and non-essential travel. While some areas are reporting decreasing numbers of illness, the virus is still prevalent; therefore, businesses should continue to take precautions while having a set policy in place for essential and non-essential travel. The following are TAG’s recommendations.

 

Essential Travel. Essential travel is travel where having the employee onsite is physically necessary (e.g., equipment installation or maintenance that cannot be performed remotely). If travel is Essential, TAG recommends that a facility risk assessment be conducted before travel arrangements are finalized. A facility risk assessment may include:

• Does the facility have employee and visitor wellness screening with questions and temperature check?

• Does it define and enforce six-foot distancing policies?

• Does it conduct enhanced cleaning and disinfection?

• Are employees and visitors required to wear masks?

• Does it have close- contact exclusion and defined employee return-to-work policies?

• Is there any history of employee illness in the last 14 days?

 

If the facility does not have these programs in place or has a history of recent illnesses, travel should be postponed until conditions change.

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Non-essential Travel. If travel is not essential,  TAG recommends using alternative approaches and technologies, including:

• Using a virtual conferencing platform (such as Zoom, GoToMeeting, etc.), if the visit was to be a meeting.

• If a facility walkthrough is needed:

  • Using a virtual technology at a facility with wireless internet, cellular connection, or a reliable cellular signal (Contact TAG for more information.)

  • At a facility without good connections, using high-definition video recording (using smartphones or wearable cameras) to capture processes or issues. Videos can then be securely and confidentially shared.

 

In our next Travel Update, TAG will discuss considerations for modes of travel when travel is required.