Category: Online Special

When you are travelling, especially internationally, you need to pay attention to every detail. The coronavirus pandemic has changed domestic and international travels.

While we may not yet know exactly what travel will be like when the pandemic is completely behind us, we are already seeing some common trends especially with stringent regulations.

One common requirement for entry into a new destination is proof of a negative COVID-19 test within a certain timeframe (72-hours mostly). Many are also requiring travel insurance, with coverage requirements varying by destination

When traveling, be sure to keep your proof of health insurance and COVID-19 test results in an easily accessible location as they may be required at different times.

1. Negative PCR COVID-19 test result with a QR code – (Departure – 72 hours and 48 hours after arrival

The COVID-19 PCR test is mandatory in many countries. Passengers who arrive in any country must carry a negative report within 72 hours if they want to avoid mandatory institutional quarantine.

All travellers are required to show a pre-departure negative test taken within three (3) days of travel.

2. Proof of vaccination – Vaccination card duly signed and authorised with a QR code — The COVID-19 vaccination record card tells one what COVID-19 vaccine received, the date received it, and where one received it.

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3. Yellow Card (for traveling to/transiting through African countries)/travel insurance

In the wake of COVID-19 emergency, travel insurance with international coverage is now essential. Several countries are also mandating the same for Yellow Card before admitting tourists, or those transisting.

Passengers may be required to take a second COVID-19 test in the transit airport or at the final destination.

4. Filling country of choice passenger locator form/entry requirements

The Passenger Locator Form is a document essential for foreign travelers and returning citizens. They must fill out this form correctly so they will be able to enter the country.

The form must be completed online before arriving. If you have completed the passenger locator form for another country, you will still fill out another one for Nigeria as a returning citizen.

5. Get a self-help antigen rapid test kit – Although, rapid antigen testing is not recognized by some countries for travel purposes, the test kits help in providing a quick result about one’s COVID-19 status.

For most people, charging their smartphones has become a part of their regular practice. But there are some huge mistakes you can make when charging your phone which are harmful and could potentially damage it. Some might be risky to your health while others might shorten your phone battery life.

Here are eight mistakes you should stop doing when charging your mobile phone:

· Don’t leave your phone connected to the charger overnight:

Most chargers that come with the latest smartphones have built-in circuits to cut off the current when the battery is full. But if you’re not sure if your charger has this feature, play it safe and don’t leave it charging overnight. This can lead to overcharging which damages the battery.

· Avoid using your phone while it’s charging:

Some people have the habit of playing gaming while their smartphone is getting charged, which is not a recommended behavior because heat is a battery’s biggest enemy. Putting the phone through a heavy load, be it gaming, using the camera, or using any other heavy apps causes the processor to generate a lot of heat. When that heat is added to the heat that’s already being generated by the battery charging process, it can be a lot and can degrade the battery’s health, which ultimately leads to shorter battery life.

· Listening to music with an earphone when charging:

Charging your smartphone and listening to music using an earphone is very risky. Such a thing can damage your brain because of a lot of radiation. On the other hand, a chance of electrocution can occur.

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Similarly, it could be dangerous to use your earphone while charging because electricity is easily conducted from the electric socket to the earphones, especially if your charging plug was faulty. Many people have died because of such a mistake, so it is best to avoid it by all means.

· Don’t use low-quality chargers from unknown manufacturers or low voltage power supply:

Charging your phone with low currents, power banks and laptops is wrong. Such things are just made for emergency use and not for charging your phone all the time or using them as a normal source while charging. It is good to use a high voltage light supply, so your phone will charge faster and have a strong battery life- something that can charge your phone with high current voltage. That’s the reason why some batteries when charged with laptops or fake chargers don’t last long or get weak. This is because those items don’t have as much power or voltage to charge your phone as normal electricity does. Instead, it will weaken your phone battery.

· Avoid constant recharges:

Allow the battery to discharge to around 50% before you plug it in. Constant and unnecessary recharges shorten the lifespan of the battery. On the flip side, avoid allowing the battery to lose all power.

· Try removing the phone’s protective case while charging:

It is recommended that you remove the phone’s protective case while charging. It is natural for the battery to become slightly warm but the case may act as a barrier and slow down heat dissipation. If possible, flip the phone over and place it on a soft cloth to protect the display.

· Avoid placing your phone under the pillow while charging:

Many people have a habit of keeping their phones under their pillow so that it is easier to reach. Sometimes, they leave it under the pillow even when the device is getting charged, which is extremely dangerous. The phone generates heat while getting charged, and that heat needs to be dissipated in order to save the phone from any possible damage or battery degradation. However, when the mobile phone is placed under the pillow, it can no longer dissipate heat and gets extremely hot. In some cases, it leads to the pillow catching fire which then spreads to the entire mattress and the room.

If you want to have easy access to the phone while it is getting charged during the night, it is better to place the phone on the bedside table.

· Avoid using third-party battery apps

Avoid using third-party battery apps. Most of them affect battery life negatively as they constantly run in the background, aggressively shut down other apps; some take over the lock screen to load advertisements and even recommend apps that will further optimise your smartphone. Also, do not fall for the browser ads that con you into installing an app because your phone is “apparently” low on memory.