With the novel coronavirus leading to over 1000 fatalities in China, people need to be extra cautious while making their travel plans, be it an international conference abroad or a vacation. Over 70% of Indians say they are alert and taking necessary precautions against Covid-19, the disease spread by the novel coronavirus strain.
Airlines are suspending flights to China
- Airlines all over the globe are canceling flights to China.
- Delta Air Lines suspended flights between the United States and China on Sunday, four days earlier than initially planned. The suspension will last until at least April 30, according to a press release.
- American Airlines also suspended flights between the US and China, effective January 31 through March 28. American has also canceled some flights to Hong Kong.
- United Airlines is suspending flights from the US to Beijing, Chengdu and Shanghai beginning February 6.
- Other airlines, including British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, Air Asia, EgyptAir, Cathay Pacific, Air India and Finnair have similarly slashed or suspended service.
- Many airlines have offered waivers on change fees or the option to cancel for credit on a future flight.
- Travelers with upcoming plans should check with their airlines and look for advisories posted on carriers’ websites.
- A number of cruise lines, including Azamara, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean and Silversea, have canceled scheduled sailings to China.
- Many cruise lines have also modified schedules to skip some ports of call and boosted screening procedures for passengers, including denial of boarding in some cases to those who have visited China recently, according to CruiseCritic.com.
Hand washing is a strong defense; masks are less effective
More fitted respirator masks may be used in medical settings, but are generally impractical for the general public.Good hand hygiene is always a really good idea to protect yourself from any viruses and other pathogens in your environment.
Air travel is part of how viruses spread
For parts of the world outside of the heavily affected region, air travel is likely where more of the risk will lie because of the increased likelihood of encountering international travelers from areas with high incidence of the virus.When it comes to the global spread of outbreaks, air travel is usually how things kind of spread quickly from country to country.Frequent and vigorous hand washing is again critical to reducing viral transmissions.