Corona, but not the beer.

On Tuesday afternoon I opened my email and it was filled with emails from major corporations like Target, Budget, Best Buy, and Nordstrom. Each one had a similar subject line: What we’re doing to protect

against Coronavirus. As Coronavirus (Covid19) began to spread across Europe and the United States, friends and family started reaching out to ask if I was ok as a flight attendant and what was going on around Coronavirus.

So, how are things with the job? Like everything else: uncertain. It’s no secret that flights are pretty much empty and routes are being cut. The other day the president mentioned a travel ban to Europe during his speech. Although clarity came after the televised event, many people canceled their planned travel. Also, during this period the government is only allowing flights into approved airport locations - which means all Europe flights to/from smaller US cities like Tampa are postponed until further notice.

My company is offering voluntary leave for 1-3 months, to start. I might take advantage of one month at some point, but the entire thing is fluid. And if medical experts' predictions come true, shit is gonna be bad soon and for a little while. For now, I'm taking it one day at a time.

I'm not going to tell anyone whether or not they should fly since the act of flying itself is safe. The issue, it appears, is hygiene. As a Flight Attendant, I can attest to many disgusting horrors I've witnessed onboard. So, for those who travel during this time here are some best practices when onboard a plane to carry with you going forward (and forever, and ever):

• Wipe down your seat, video monitor, and tray tables.

• Stop eating directly off the tray table. You won’t believe what people do on it.

• Request a plastic cup. This is the norm in the main cabin, but first class passengers might need to make this request. Although cleaned by catering kitchens, glasses can often be handled by multiple people. Whereas plastic is kept in a sleeve until opened.

• If you have a persistent cough (could be allergies), be sure to cover your cough and don’t hesitate to ask the flight crew for some napkins. You can ask for a face mask, but note we usually have just one or two on board for emergencies, and it might have been used on the last flight.

• Use a tissue or napkin to open or close lav doors, flush, and lift/lower the toilet seat.

• Keep your hands off unnecessary surfaces. Many people tap or kiss the plane as they board, some people stretch in the galley areas and have their hands on the walls, and even reach into the beverage cart as we bring it through the aisle. Please stop. Forever. Just... stop.

• Finally, wash those damn hands!

If predictions come true, It’s going to be challenging for everyone over the next few weeks (maybe months). Let’s remember to look out for each other, especially the more vulnerable in our communities.