{"id":2626,"date":"2020-02-21T11:50:17","date_gmt":"2020-02-21T16:50:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gtitravel.com\/?p=2626"},"modified":"2020-02-25T12:29:54","modified_gmt":"2020-02-25T17:29:54","slug":"the-new-corona-virus-what-travellers-needs-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gtitravel.com\/the-new-corona-virus-what-travellers-needs-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"The New Corona virus: What Travellers Needs to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"The<\/a>Given the recent outbreak of Wuhan coronavirus and the minimal amount of information available to the public surrounding the illness,\u00a0frequent business travelers<\/a>\u00a0are understandably concerned. How can you stay safe as the story unfolds?<\/p>\n

Health Officials Urge Vigilance<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Travel to China Discouraged<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Seasoned\u00a0business travel agents<\/a>\u00a0know 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 \u201cLevel 4: Do not travel\u201d from the former, while the latter cautions against unnecessary travel to the country.<\/p>\n

U.S. Enforcing Travel Restrictions & Quarantines<\/strong><\/h2>\n

To stop the spread of the virus and\u00a0ensure the health of travelers<\/a>, the U.S. government is stepping up travel restrictions. Any U.S. citizen visiting China\u2019s 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 \u201cself-quarantine\u201d for up to two weeks within their homes.<\/p>\n

Global Repercussions<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The U.S. government and\u00a0corporate travel management companies<\/a>\u00a0are 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.<\/p>\n

Airlines Worldwide are Cancelling Flights to\/from China<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Tens of thousands of flights have been canceled, leaving\u00a0business travel planners<\/a>\u00a0scrambling 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.<\/p>\n

Travel Insurance May Not Cover Costs<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Common Sense Travel Precautions<\/strong><\/h2>\n