Memorial Day weekend traditionally marks the start of summer travel season. After many long months stuck at home, unable to visit family and friends, we are all dreaming of vacations, extended weekends away from home, or short road trips to visit loved ones. With recent guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that it is safe to travel domestically if you've been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, some of those dreams are coming true. However, the CDC currently still advises delaying travel if you are not fully vaccinated. 1
Cleaning your hands on-the-go
Practicing good hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to kill germs that may cause illness. You can use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when hands are not visibly soiled. The CDC's guidance for protecting yourself and others encourages washing your hands and/or using hand sanitizer frequently. 2
Sinks may not always be close and convenient while traveling, so carry a portable hand sanitizer in your handbag, backpack, pocket, or carry-on for quick access. While many public places now offer hand hygiene solutions, many off-brand hand sanitizers are circulating. We've all regretted getting a pump of runny, stinky sanitizer in the past year! Carrying your own high-quality hand sanitizer with proven efficacy is essential.
If you’re flying, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is currently allowing one oversized liquid hand sanitizer container, up to 12 ounces per passenger, in carry-on bags. Keep in mind that this bag will need to be screened separately. 3
When traveling, in addition to the key moments to clean your hands 4 – like before eating or after using the bathroom – use your hand sanitizer:
- after going through security screening
- after pumping gas
- after touching commonly touched surfaces like door handles, handrails, elevator buttons, subway poles, seat belts, and electronic screens
- after exchanging cash or credit cards
- before and after visiting a public place
If you're traveling with young children, don't forget to help them keep their hands clean too. Practicing good hand hygiene is a lesson that children need to be taught at a young age – a lesson they're never too young to start learning. ("Get "5 Tips to Encourage Children to Wash Their Hands.")
Not all hand sanitizers are made the same
The enormous demand for hand sanitizer caused by the ongoing pandemic resulted in many off-brand hand sanitizers entering the market for the first time. These manufacturers had no experience producing OTC formulas, which ultimately led to the FDA banning almost 250 sanitizer products for being unsafe or ineffective. Our research has found that 84% of adults expect to see hand sanitizer offered in public places, and 77% of those expect to see the PURELL® brand. *
GOJO invented PURELL® Hand Sanitizer 33 years ago, so we know that what goes into hand hygiene products makes a big difference in both the efficacy and the way they feel and smell. The PURELL® brand's trusted formulation ensures both performance and user experience, two things that are vital for a trusted, quality hand sanitizer. In fact, every bottle or dispenser that leaves our facility is a promise – a promise that we make to our consumers that the product is safe and efficacious so that you can get back to normal. Each ingredient works in harmony with the others to ensure it not only kills germs, but also maintains or improves skin health and delivers an enjoyable experience.
Portable sanitizers – the perfect fit for any situation
The PURELL® brand offers many different portable sanitizers solutions. No matter where you're going, you can choose the right product for what you'll need when you get there:
- PURELL® Advanced Hand Sanitizer PERSONALS are convenient portable packets that offer a single dose of hand sanitizer – perfect for keeping in your pocket, purse, or wallet to use during key moments.
- PURELL® Advanced Hand Sanitizer 1 oz JELLY WRAP™ are perfect for attaching to your handbag or backpack for quick access on your travels.
- PURELL PRIME DEFENSE™ Advanced Hand Sanitizer is our maximum strength formulation, offering our strongest protection ever – now available in a convenient 4 oz bottle.
Stay up to date with travel guidance
With travel guidance changing at a rapid pace, make sure to view local public health ordinances in the location where you're traveling. Many states have different guidelines when it comes to travel. Check the CDC Travel Planner before your trip to understand travel restrictions, guidance, and resources in your destination.
Additionally, the CDC continues to share timely guidance for traveling domestically. The CDC recommends preparing to be flexible during your trip as restrictions and policies may change during your travel. If you plan to travel by air, check if your airline requires any health information, testing, or other documents.
If you must travel, practice healthy habits not only for yourself but for others around you.