While the information on coronavirus keeps coming and the number of infected people keeps rising, the spread of novel coronavirus has travelers around the globe holding their breath.
Travelers crossing the globe should be aware of the risk and exercise the preventive measures. The World Health Organisation declared the novel coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. The preventive measures they recommend the are not that much different than those you’d normally use to avoid influenza and other illnesses.
Here are most important steps to have in mind:
1. Hand-washing is the most important infection control measure
When we are talking about prevention, practicing good hand hygiene is more important than wearing protective surgical mask.
Wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds and avoid touching your face, mouth, nose and eyes. If soap and water aren’t available, hand sanitizer with an alcohol content of more than 60 percent will do the trick.
2. Avoid traveling to China
Travelers are advised to avoid all nonessential travels to China. Many airlines, including British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, Air Asia, EgyptAir, Cathay Pacific, Air India and Finnair have all suspended their flights to China until at least the 30th of April.
Many airlines have offered waivers on change fees, and if you need information about your cancelled or future flight, feel free to contact us.
If, however, you can’t avoid traveling to China, discuss traveling with your healthcare provider and practice enhanced precautions. Avoid contact with sick people, and animals and animal markets, and above mentioned good hand hygiene.
3. Are layovers in other Asian countries safe?
Transit to the airport is unlikely to bring travelers in contact with anyone that is sick. Many international airports have implemented new rules and stated that they increased the frequency which the airport is being cleaned.
Right now it is considered relatively safe to travel through those airports, but keep checking for new information.
4. Personal risk and health insurance
While deciding on whether or not you should postpone your trip, calculate your own personal risk. For the moment, it seems that people who are at greater risk are the elderly and the very young.
It is also good to have in mind that an virus outbreak is not covered under most standard trip cancellation insurance policies. Make sure to contact your travel insurance provider before your trip.
While this new virus has emerged out of the blue and there is still a lot of uncertainties about it, it is important not to spread panic. The preventive measures, regular and thorough hand-washing in the first place, can protect us to a certain degree.
If you have any concerns about your upcoming business trip, or if you are looking for the safest routes, our travel consultants are here to help.
*For emergency assistance, contact your dedicated team or call our 24/7 support line at + (385) 99 333 4222.