KT Debate: We need a break from pandemic stress. Time to jet off for a holiday?

Top Stories

Coronavirus, need a break, pandemic stress, Time, jet off, for a holiday,

With countries opening up for travel, is this the right time to hop on a plane and take a socially distanced break?

by

Ashwani Kumar

  • Follow us on
  • google-news
  • whatsapp
  • telegram

Published: Sat 12 Sep 2020, 8:00 PM

Last updated: Sun 13 Sep 2020, 11:38 AM

Itching for a debate? Want a battle of the brains with a cross-section of UAE residents, who come from over 200 different nationalities? Here is your chance to speak out on issues that matter. Be part of 'KT Debate,' a weekly column where our readers are free to agree and disagree; where we promote diverse thinking and genuine disagreements. There is no winning or losing side. Here is where ideas converge and horizons widen. Here is where minds meet and communities evolve.

We need a break from pandemic stress. Time to jet off for a holiday?

The Covid-19 pandemic has redefined the world's priorities and normalcy. More than anything else, perhaps it has changed the way we travel. The fight against the pandemic is far from over. With countries opening up for travel, is this the right time to hop on a plane and take a socially distanced break?
FOR
"People working in various sectors have almost reached an exhausted stage. Tens of thousands of expatriate teachers had to forgo their vacations. Millions of expats in other fields face a similar predicament. Many workers fall prey to depression and health hazards. Even though air travel is now possible, many desist from a short trip due to the loss of valuable days on account of 14 days of quarantine. Still, people can explore travel options to places where quarantine requirements are not necessary. A short trip would rejuvenate the body and mind and relieve mental stress and agony." - Duglas Joseph, Teacher
"This pandemic situation is very stressful at the workplace and our lives. We can escape this by engaging in physical activity, exercise, connecting with friends and family, and getting enough sleep. But to be able to take time off from work because of stress is a very welcome decision to make. People taking a short vacation will have a better outlook in their lives. So it is the right thing to do. I am happy to go for one such vacation. But we must ensure that the destination we go to is safe, low-risk and all safety measures are taken." - Mandy Mae, Document controller
"This ongoing pandemic crisis has been a difficult situation for everyone to deal with. This is a phase when stress and financial anxiety are high. So a short holiday abroad is a sustainable way to cure stress and negative feelings and exhaustion that characterise burnout. When looking for a holiday, you must pick a place which is safe to go for individuals and families. But importantly, you also need to have the financial means to go on such a holiday." - Marietta Mondelo, Office assistant
AGAINST
"I don't think this is the time to take such a risk and travel abroad for a holiday. It is not advisable. This applies to my family, friends and relatives. With the threat of the pandemic very much existing and from a safety viewpoint, it's important for all of us to stay at home. Of course, once the Covid-19 situation ends, we can all go for a holiday abroad to relax and refresh ourselves. But until we reach that point, we have to take all the precautionary measures we can. A holiday abroad can wait." - Nedie Bansag Torralba, Private firm employee
"For now, I am happy that at this stage of the pandemic, we are able to go outside our homes. Personally, I can't think of going out for any leisure activities. We all have to be careful in this phase. But I understand the work stress and tiredness of the past few months. So, once this is over, I would love to travel abroad. A vacation is a reward for the hard work of the past months. I will definitely take it at the right time." - Mark Jimenez, Cameraman
"When it's safe to travel abroad for a holiday and I have enough budget, then yes, I would love to go. Travelling is good for mental and emotional health. But at this stage of the pandemic, travelling abroad is too risky and unthinkable. Actually it's not on my priority list at all. Now our only focus should be on the counter measures that need to be continued to contain the spread of the virus. The number of cases is going up. We need to act responsibly and follow the instructions of the local authorities. Once this fight against Covid-19 is over, I will take a break." - Mary Grace Reyes, Office secretary
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com 


More news from