Coronavirus cases continue to ramp up globally, with 114,536 people testing positive for the deadly virus in total. The UK government has now warned against travel to multiple destinations, including Italy – where in the world should Britons avoid right now?
Coronavirus continues to sweep across the world, with the death toll now surpassing 4,000. As the deadly virus spreads, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has issued warnings to British holidaymakers in their latest travel advice. The FCO now advises UK travellers to all travel to Italy and parts of South Korea and China.
Italy
The FCO updated their travel advice to Italy yesterday.
The Foreign Office stated: “The FCO advise against all but essential travel to Italy, due to an ongoing outbreak of coronavirus (Covid-19) and in line with various controls and restrictions imposed by the Italian authorities on 9 March.
“British nationals remain able to depart Italy without restriction. Airports remain open throughout Italy.
“However, airline schedules are subject to change and some flights are being cancelled. Travellers are advised to check flight details with airlines.
“Additional restrictions include the closure of museums, cultural institutions and the suspension of all public gatherings and sporting events.
“Religious ceremonies and funerals are suspended. Ski facilities are closed. Childcare facilities, schools and universities are closed until 3 April. Restaurants and bars remain open with restricted hours and reduced seating.”
UK travel trade association ABTA shared their travel advice in their latest statement: “The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) now advises against all but essential travel to Italy, in line with various controls and restrictions imposed by the Italian authorities.
“British nationals remain able to depart Italy without restriction and airports remain open throughout Italy. However, airline schedules are subject to change and some flights are being cancelled. Customers currently in Italy should contact their travel provider to discuss their options and follow the instructions of local authorities and local public health advice.
“Customers who are imminently due to travel on package holidays which include Italy should be offered alternative arrangements by their travel provider. If no suitable alternatives are available, package holiday customers should be offered a full refund.
“Customers who have booked their flights and accommodation directly should speak to their airline and accommodation provider to discuss their options. They should also check their travel insurance to see if this will cover any additional costs.
“Customers with an existing package holiday booked, and those considering making plans, can have confidence that there are protections in place for package holidays should the travel advice to their destination change. ABTA’s latest advice and Q&A’s for travellers is available at abta.com/coronavirus.”
South Korea
The cities of Daegu, Cheongdo and Gyeongsan in South Korea have been highlighted as a problem.
“The FCO advise against all travel to the cities of Daegu, Cheongdo and Gyeongsan due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the increased incidence of community transmission and increasing pressure on medical services in these areas.
“The Government of South Korea has designated the cities of Daegu, Cheongdo and Gyeongsan as ‘special care zones’ due to the high number of cases of coronavirus in these cities.
“If you’re already in Daegu, Cheongdo or Gyeongsan, you should follow the instructions and advice of the local authorities and pay particular regard to virus control testing and measures.
“Flights between South Korea and a number of countries have been reduced, and some countries have altered their entry requirements for travellers who started their journey in, or transited through, South Korea. You should check with your airline, travel agency or the relevant websites for your destination for the latest information.”
China
Hubei Province (where coronavirus originated) should be avoided by Britons.
The Foreign Office said: “The FCO advise against all travel to Hubei Province due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The FCO advise against all but essential travel to the rest of mainland China (not including Hong Kong and Macao).
“The British Consulates-General in Wuhan and Chongqing are currently closed. If you’re in China and able to leave, you should do so. The elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions may be at heightened risk.
“The Chinese authorities continue to impose various control and quarantine measures across the country, including restrictions on movement, reduced transport, entry and exit controls for towns and villages, and isolation requirements for travel between different parts of the country.
“There have been multiple reports of British and other foreign nationals being put under compulsory quarantine or home isolation in locations across China on arrival from overseas.
“The possibility that local authorities impose mandatory quarantine in response to fresh outbreaks is high. Restrictions in place may also affect travel to Hong Kong and entry to other countries if travelling from China.
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