The New Corona virus: What Travellers Needs to Know

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The New Corona virus: What Travellers Needs to KnowGiven the recent outbreak of Wuhan coronavirus and the minimal amount of information available to the public surrounding the illness, frequent business travelers are understandably concerned. How can you stay safe as the story unfolds?

Health Officials Urge Vigilance

If you are your employees travel globally, it is essential to remain aware of the virus. Take the same preventative measures you would avoid an influenza outbreak. As common sense dictates, avoid traveling to areas with a high incidence of Wuhan coronavirus, remaining vigilant about health and hygiene while traveling.

Travel to China Discouraged

Seasoned business travel agents know avoiding contact with those who are infected is key to preventing the Wuhan coronavirus infection. Travel to China is understandably discouraged by the U.S. State Department as well as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Both have escalated warnings about traveling to China to the highest level, designating a “Level 4: Do not travel” from the former, while the latter cautions against unnecessary travel to the country.

U.S. Enforcing Travel Restrictions & Quarantines

To stop the spread of the virus and ensure the health of travelers, the U.S. government is stepping up travel restrictions. Any U.S. citizen visiting China’s Hubei Province is subject to a 14-day mandatory quarantine. Those traveling to mainland China must undergo screening at one of only 11 designated airports stateside. Those deemed clear of symptoms are being re-booked to their final destination and told to “self-quarantine” for up to two weeks within their homes.

Global Repercussions

The U.S. government and corporate travel management companies are not the only entities with concerns surrounding the novel coronavirus. The World Health Organization has declared the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. The United Kingdom and Canada have also issued travel warnings. In addition, the U.S., U.K., France, and South Korea have evacuated citizens from Wuhan.

Airlines Worldwide are Cancelling Flights to/from China

Tens of thousands of flights have been canceled, leaving business travel planners scrambling for solutions. American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta, and Air Canada have suspended or reduced flights to and from mainland China, as have dozens of other global air carriers. Most are offering refunds or travel vouchers. Hotels are also responding to the outbreak, waiving cancellation fees in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau.

Travel Insurance May Not Cover Costs

Most standard trip cancellation insurance policies will not cover the outbreak of a virus, except for those who purchased a Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) insurance upgrade. Contacting your travel insurance provider directly for details is advised.

Common Sense Travel Precautions

  • Avoid contact with sick people.
  • Frequently and thoroughly wash hands.
  • Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
  • Do not travel while sick.

Ensure the safety of traveling employees. Learn more about ways to streamline business travel and avoid common issues with the help of GTI Travel today.

Experts agree: Staying healthy on a business trip Increases Productivity. Here are some pointers.

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Experts agree: Staying healthy on a business trip Increases Productivity. Here are some pointers.Business travel has an impact on health – and it’s not a positive one. It’s difficult not to develop bad habits while traveling for work. Unfortunately, the consequences of letting things go while your away can be dire, from short-term insomnia to obesity and high blood pressure following a regime of increased smoking and alcohol consumption.

Fortunately, most business travelers are aware of the toll their travels take on their health. With a little forethought and the help of their corporate travel consultant, they can prevent these situations accordingly, eating more healthful foods, sticking to fitness routines, sticking to daily routines, and avoiding common sources of stress. In fact, trends toward health-minded decisions on the rise compared to just a few years back. Here’s how to maximize available opportunities.

7 Tips for Staying Healthy During Business Travel

  1. Plan ahead.
    Business travel planners know preparation is key to a productive trip.  Planning as much in advance as possible, from clothing and dining to daily schedule, helps minimize stressful decision-making tasks. Bringing a print out of necessary tasks or itineraries, and organizing as much in advance as possible ensures brainpower is saved for essential business trip tasks.
  2. Banish buffets.
    The endless treats at buffets can make it highly tempting to over-indulge. To avoid falling prey to baser instincts, avoid the buffet for lunch and dinner, seeking out hotels that only offer this option at breakfast.
  3. Keep it cool.
    Opt for a hotel with a fridge whenever possible. This is among the best business travel solutions for facilitating healthier food choices. In a hotel fridge, healthy options are more easily stored, such as yogurt, protein shakes, and pre-cut fresh fruit and veggies. These make a more mindful alternative to fat, sugar, and sodium-heavy take-out and snacking options.
  4. Save it for later.
    Start the day with a light, protein-packed breakfast and lunch, sipping water regularly. This will allow plenty of calorie leeway for a relaxing and enjoyable dinner without the guilt of a 4,000 calorie day.
  5. Start and end the day right.
    Though trips to a strange location can be mentally taxing, this new environment is also a tremendous opportunity to make creative and inspired decisions and brainstorm new ideas. To that end, avoid mundane tasks like firing off emails or drudging through social media, as these mentally draining tasks can rob you of inspiration. Instead, spend free or lax time visualizing upcoming goals, reading an inspiring book, or engaging in a guided meditation.
  6. Don’t neglect exercise.
    To stay on your routine and improve sleep, don’t abandon your exercise regimen. Stay healthy by choosing a hotel with a decent gym or nearby fitness classes.
  7. Jump on the “bleisure” bandwagon.
    Work a little leisure into your business trip, scheduling a day before or after the trip to soak in local offerings.

Ensure health and happiness on the road. Make the most of every trip with the help of the business travel management experts at GTI Travel.