Latest Updates on COVID-19

LATEST UPDATES:

• The WHO has declared COVID-19 a global health emergency but has stressed the situation can still be controlled.
• As of 21 February 2020, China has reverted its diagnosis criteria to that used before 13 February 2020. While we can expect a reduction in the number of COVID-19 cases due to tighter diagnosis criterion, this does not indicate that the virus has become significantly less deadly or contagious than it is now.
• As of 13 February 2020, China experienced the largest one-day increase in COVID-19 cases since the outbreak. This largely stems from the authorities using broader definitions to diagnose COVID-19 and does not indicate that the virus has become significantly more deadly or contagious than it currently is.
• The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared COVID-19 as a global health emergency.
• WHO has not issued any emergency or travel ban to China in response, though individual countries have since done so.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that travellers avoid all non-essential travel to China.
• The Ministry of Health (MOH) has advised to defer all travel to Hubei Province and non-essential travel to mainland China.
• Singapore – Students and school employees returning from China will be given leave of absence of 14 days to minimise close contact with others.
• Singapore – From 1 Feb, 2020,  new visitors of any nationality with recent travel history to mainland China will not be allowed to enter Singapore. This applies transiting in Singapore. Those with Chinese passports, with the exception of Singapore permanent residents (PRs) and long-term pass holders, will not be allowed to enter Singapore.
• Some airlines have suspended flights or reduced capacity to China and Hong Kong. See the list of airlines affected in the timeline below. Please check with your carrier if your flight has been affected.

Blue Sky Escapes Updates

• Blue Sky Escapes is flexible for all trips heading to China. Trips departing in February/March to China are being postponed to a later date.
• For trips to China extending beyond February/March, course of action is still preliminary and you may wish to adopt a wait and see approach to assess how the situation develops over the next two months.
• We remain flexible if you’d like to consider waiting it out, postponing the trip or rerouting your journey to a different Blue Sky Escapes destination for your travel dates. We would be happy to discuss alternative options if needed. Contact us for more details.
• Trips to other destinations in Asia remain unaffected and will proceed as planned.

Travel Restrictions

Below is an overview of travel restrictions across Blue Sky Escapes destinations (as of 7 February 2020):

ARGENTINA

Argentina announced that it would stop issuing visas to travelers from several countries impacted by the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Affected countries include the United States, China, South Korea, Japan, Iran, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and the countries of the Schengen area. All flights will be halted from Europe and the US for at least 30 days. All borders will be closed to non-residents for two weeks effective March 15.

AUSTRALIA

Passengers are not allowed to transit or enter Australia. This does not apply to nationals of Australia, the immediate family members of nationals of Australia, permanent residents of Australia and their immediate family members or  nationals of New Zealand residing in Australia.

AUSTRIA

Passengers and crew members who have been in Hubei Province of China (People’s Rep.), France, Italy, Iran, Korea (Rep.), Netherlands, Russian Fed., Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine or the United Kingdom in the past 14 days must have a medical certificate dated from a maximum of 4 days before their arrival in Austria. The medical certificate must confirm that the person is not affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19), and be in German or in English,

This does not apply to nationals of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland (Rep.), Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.This does not apply to passengers with a British passport.

Austrian Airlines (a Lufthansa subsidiary) announced that it will suspend all flights from Thursday, March 19, through Saturday, March 28, due to concerns over the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

BOLIVIA

Passengers who have been in China (People’s Rep.), Italy, Korea (Rep.) or Spain in the past 20 days are not allowed to enter Bolivia. This does not apply to nationals of Bolivia.

CAMBODIA:
Passengers arriving from France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Spain or USA are not allowed to enter Cambodia.This does not apply to nationals and residents of Cambodia. Nationals and residents of Cambodia who have been in France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Spain or USA in the past 14 days will be quarantined for 14 days.

CHILE

Passengers who have been in China (People’s Rep), France, Germany, Iran, Italy or Spain will be isolated for 14 days.

CHINA

All passengers arriving at Beijing will be quarantined at the designated hotels in Beijing for 14 days.

Passengers who live in or have been in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iran, Italy, Japan, Korea (Rep.), Malaysia, Netherlands, Norway, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Spain , Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom or USA in the past 14 days arriving at Shanghai Pudong (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) must undergo 14-day quarantine at home or in designated places for medical observation.

Passengers who live in or have been in France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Japan, Korea (Rep.), Spain or USA in the past 14 days arriving at Guangzhou (CAN) or Shenzhen (SZX) must undergo 14-day quarantine at home or in designated places for medical observation.

All passengers arriving at XMN will be quarantined for medical observation at the designated hotels for 14 days on their own expenses.This does not apply to passengers under 18 years old, passengers above 70 years old, pregnant women and passengers suffering from illness. They must apply for permission to undergo a 14-day quarantine at home.

HONG KONG:

Passengers who reside in or have been in the Hubei Province (China People’s Rep.) in the past 14 days or have a passport issued in Hubei province are not allowed to enter Hong Kong (SAR China). Passengers who reside or have been in the Korea (Rep.) in the past 14 days are not allowed to enter Hong Kong (SAR China). Does not apply to Hong Kong residents or passport-holders.

Passengers who have been in China (People’s Rep.), Iran or the Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy and Veneto regions (covering Bologna, Milan, Venice and Verona) in Italy in the past 14 days, are not allowed to enter if their permitted stay in Hong Kong (SAR China) is less than 14 days. Does not apply to Hong Kong citizens.

Passengers arriving from or having been in China (People’s Rep.), Korea (Rep.), Iran or the Emilia-Romangna, Lombardy and Veneto regions (covering Bologna, Milan, Venice and Verona) in Italy in the past 14 days are subject to compulsory quarantine for 14 days. People who have been in France (Bourgogne-Franche-Comte and Grand Est), Germany (North Rhine-Westphalia), Italy, Japan (Hokkaido) or Spain (La Rioja, Madrid and Pais Vasco) in the past 14 days, are required to stay in a quarantine center.

Hong Kong has also closed certain transportation links and border checkpoints connecting Hong Kong with mainland China and restricted ferry services from Macau. The Kai Tak cruise terminal in Victoria Harbor will close as a cruise ship remains under quarantine. Travellers arriving from mainland China entering through the international airport will be quarantined.

Cathay Pacific has reduced capacity of its flights to mainland China by 90% or more through March. It has suspended 9 international flight routes to London Gatwick, Rome, Washington DC, Newark, Male, Davao, Clark, Jeju and Taichung till 28 March 2020. It has also suspended all routes to mainland Chinese cities excluding Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and Xiamen.

Passengers arriving from or having been in Korea (Rep.) or a Schengen Member State in the past 14 days, are subject to compulsory home quarantine for 14 days.

INDIA:

All visa and e-visa are invalidated.Passengers who arrive from or have been in China (People’s Rep.), France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Korea (Rep.) or Spain after 15 February 2020, will be quarantined for a minimum period of 14 days.Nationals of Japan and Korea (Rep.) can no longer obtain a visa on arrival.Passengers are required to fill the self-declaration form in duplicate upon arrival. All passengers must go thorough medical screening upon arrival.

Passengers who arrive from or have been in Italy or Korea (Rep.) with a visa issued after 5 March 2020 by India are only allowed to enter if they have a health certificate of being tested negative for Coronavirus (COVID-19) from a designated laboratory authorized by the health authorities of Italy or Korea (Rep.).Passengers arriving from Afghanistan, Malaysia or Philippines are not allowed to enter India until 30 March 2020.

Passengers who have transited through or have been in Kuwait, Oman, Qatar or United Arab Emirates are subject to compulsory quarantine for minimum 14 days.
Passengers who arrive from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland (Rep.), Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey or United Kingdom are not allowed to enter.

INDONESIA:

Passengers and airline crew who have been in China (People’s Rep.) in the past 14 days are not allowed to enter or transit Indonesia. This does not apply to nationals or residents of Indonesia.

Passengers and airline crew who have been in Tehran, Qom or Gilan in Iran in the past 14 days are not allowed to transit or enter Indonesia. This does not apply to nationals of Indonesia.

Passengers and airline crew who have been in Lombardy, Veneto, Emilia Romagna, Marche or Piedmont in Italy in the past 14 days are not allowed to transit or enter Indonesia.This does not apply to nationals of Indonesia.

Passengers and airline crew who have been in Daegu and Gyeongsangbuk-do Province in Korea (Rep.) in the past 14 days are not allowed to transit or enter Indonesia. This does not apply to nationals of Indonesia.

Visa Exemptions and Visa on Arrival facilities are no longer available to passengers arriving from Tehran, Qom or Gilan in Iran; Lombardi, Veneto, Emilia Romagna, Marche or Piedmont in Italy; or Daegu or Gyeongsangbuk-do Province in Korea (Rep.).  

Passengers arriving from areas within Iran, Italy or Korea (Rep.) other than the following mentioned areas must provide a valid health certificate. The certificate must be in English and have been issued at latest 7 days prior to departure from local health authority. It should contain information of (1) fit for travel and (2) free from respiratory disease.

– Tehran, Qom or Gilan in Iran;

– Lombardi, Veneto, Emilia Romagna, Marche or Piedmont in Italy;

– Daegu and Gyeongsangbuk-do Province in Korea (Rep.).

This does not apply to nationals of Indonesia.

No flights between China and Indonesia from 5 February onwards. No entry or transit for travellers who visited China in the past 14 days.

ISRAEL:
Passengers are not allowed to enter Israel.
This does not apply to nationals of Israel.
This does not apply to residents of Israel.
This does not apply to passengers that have a specific entry approval from the population and Immigration Authority of Israel.

JAPAN:

Passengers who have been in the Hubei Province or Zhejiang Province (China People’s Rep.) in the past 14 days are not allowed to enter Japan.This does not apply to nationals of Japan; this does not apply to spouses or children of nationals of Japan if they can prove it.

Passengers who have been in Cheongdo County or Daegu City in Korea (Rep.) in the past 14 days are not allowed to enter Japan. This does not apply to nationals of Japan; this does not apply to spouses or children of nationals of Japan if they can prove it.

Passengers who have been in Gyeongsan-si, Andong-si , Yeongcheon-si, Chilgok-gun, Uiseong-gun, Seongju-gun or Gunwi-gun in Gyeongsangbuk-do in Korea (Rep.) in the past 14 days are not allowed to enter Japan.This does not apply to nationals of Japan; this does not apply to spouses or children of nationals of Japan if they can prove it.

Passengers who have been in the provinces of Alborz, Gilan, Golestan, Isfahan, Lorestan, Markazi, Mazandaran, Qazvin, Qom, Semnan or Tehran in Iran in the past 14 days are not allowed to enter Japan. This does not apply to nationals of Japan.This does not apply to spouses or children of nationals of Japan if they can prove it.

Passengers who have been in San Marino or Aosta Valley, Emilia-Romagna, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Liguria, Lombardy, Marche, Piedmont, Trentino-South Tyrol or Veneto in Italy in the past 14 days are not allowed to enter Japan. This does not apply to nationals of Japan.This does not apply to spouses or children of nationals of Japan if they can prove it.

Passengers who have been in Iceland, Spain (Community of Madrid, Basque Autonomous Community, La Rioja or Chartered Community of Navarre) or Switzerland (Canton of Ticino or Basel-Stadt) in the past 14 days are not allowed to enter Japan. This does not apply to nationals of Japan.This does not apply to spouses or children of nationals of Japan if they can prove it.

Nationals of China (People’s Rep.) with a passport issued in Hubei Province or Zhejiang Province (China People’s Rep.) are not allowed to enter Japan.This does not apply when passengers can prove that they have not been in Hubei Province and Zhejiang Province the last 14 days.

Passengers who were in the cruise ship ‘Westerdam’ are not allowed to enter Japan. This does not apply to nationals of Japan.

Visas issued on or before 8 March 2020 by the Embassies, Consulates-General and Consulate of Japan in China (People’s Rep.), Hong Kong (SAR China) or Korea (Rep.) are invalidated.

Visa exemptions for passengers with a British National (Overseas) passport, passengers with a Hong Kong (SAR China) passport, passengers with a Macao (SAR China) passport and nationals of Korea (Rep.) have been suspended till 31 March 2020.

KENYA:

Passengers are not allowed to enter Kenya.This does not apply to nationals and residents of Kenya. Kenya Airways suspends all flights to China.

MALAYSIA:

No entry for non-citizens into Malaysia. Malaysian citizens are forbidden from overseas travel. Nationals and residents of Malaysia are required to be self-quarantined for 14 days.

All flights cancelled between China and Sabah /Sarawak (Borneo).

MONGOLIA:

All international travel to and from foreign locations has been banned.

Nationals of Mongolia will be placed in quarantine for 14 days. Residents of Mongolia who are direct family members of a national of Mongolia will be placed in quarantine for 14 days.

Travelers are prohibited from entering Mongolia from China at land border crossings and via rail, and passengers are not permitted to enter China via the Mongolian land border or by rail.

MOROCCO:
All international passenger flights to and from the country have been suspended due to concerns from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. The decision will remain in effect until further notice.

MYANMAR:

Nationals of China (People’s Rep.) traveling to Myanmar can no longer obtain a visa on arrival or transit without a visa. Passengers arriving from China (People’s Rep.) on any Chinese airline can no longer obtain a visa on arrival.

Passengers who have been in Hubei Province of China (People’s Rep.) and Daegu and Gyeongbuk Regions of Korea (Rep.) in the past 14 days are not allowed to enter Myanmar.This does not apply to nationals of Myanmar. They are subject to 14-day quarantine upon arrival in Myanmar.

Passengers who have been in areas other than Daegu and Gyeongbuk Regions of Korea (Rep.) are required to present a medical certificate that proves no symptoms of acute respiratory illness prior to boarding. They are subject to 14-day quarantine at their home or hotel upon arrival in Myanmar.

All passengers who have been in France, Germany, Iran, Italy or Spain in the past 14 days are subject to quarantine for 14 days.

Myanmar suspends all airlines flying between Yangon and China.  

NAMIBIA

All inbound and outbound flights from Qatar, Ethiopia and Germanny will be suspended for 30 days effective 14 March 2020.

NEPAL

Foreign nationals and Nepalese citizens traveling from or transiting through Europe, including the United Kingdom, or the Middle East will be prohibited entry to Nepal effective 23:59 (local time) on Friday, March 20

Nationals of China (People’s Rep.), France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Japan, Korea (Rep.) or Spain can no longer obtain a visa on arrival. They must obtain a visa before departure and have a medical certificate proving they are free from Coronavirus (COVID-19). They are only allowed to enter Nepal if arriving at Kathmandu (KTM).

Passengers with a Hong Kong (SAR China) passport can no longer obtain a visa on arrival. They must obtain a visa before departure and have a medical certificate proving they are free from Coronavirus (COVID-19). They are only allowed to enter Nepal if arriving at Kathmandu (KTM).

Passengers with a Macao (SAR China) passport can no longer obtain a visa on arrival. They must obtain a visa before departure and have a medical certificate proving they are free from Coronavirus (COVID-19). They are only allowed to enter Nepal if arriving at Kathmandu (KTM).

Nationals of France, GermanyandSpain can no longer obtain a visa on arrival. They must obtain a visa before departure and have a medical certificate proving they are free from Coronavirus (COVID-19). They are only allowed to enter Nepal if arriving at Kathmandu (KTM).  

NEW ZEALAND:

New Zealand has further strengthened travel restrictions, closing its border to almost all travellers.

New Zealand citizens, permanent residents, residents with valid travel conditions and their immediate family (partner or spouse, legal guardian and dependent children under the age of 24) can still come to New Zealand. Immediate family must have a valid visa or NZeTA and travel with the New Zealand citizen or resident family member on the same flight to New Zealand.

Australian citizens and permanent residents who normally live in New Zealand can also return to New Zealand. In addition, Australian citizens, residents and immediate family (partner or spouse, legal guardian and dependent children under the age of 24) are able to transit New Zealand to Australia.

New Zealand citizens, residents and immediate family (partner, legal guardian and dependent children) are able to transit Australia to New Zealand.

OMAN:

As of 17 March, passengers are not allowed to enter Oman.

PERU

Peru has declared a state of emergency for 15 days. Authorities will close Peru’s borders for 15 days from 23:00 (local time) on 16 March. All private and public sector operations are suspended during the SoE, and all individuals nationwide are required to self-isolate for 15 days.

Passengers arriving from China (People’s Rep.), France, Italy or Spain are required to self-isolate for a period of 14 days. They must fill-in a health registration form upon arrival. All flights to Asia and Europe will be halted.

RWANDA:
RwanAir suspends all flights to and from China.

SINGAPORE:

All international travellers will have to self-quarantine for 14 days. Each individual will also have to provide proof of the place where they will carry out their 14-day SHN. All short-term visitors who are nationals of any ASEAN country will be required to submit information on their health to the Singapore Overseas Mission in their country of residence prior to their intended date of travel to Singapore. Border authorities will deny entry to any individual that fails to acquire the necessary approval. ny traveler entering the country showing signs of fever or other symptoms of respiratory illness is required to undergo a COVID-19 swab test at entry checkpoints, and subsequently will be issued a 14-day SHN. Failure to comply with the terms of the SHN may result in a SGD 10,000 fine and/or 6-month imprisonment for the first offence, or revoking of residency or work passes.

Passengers who have been in China (People’s Rep.), France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Korea (Rep.) or Spain in the last 14 days are not allowed to transit or enter Singapore.This does not apply to nationals of Singapore. If they have been in Hubei Province (China People’s Rep.) in the last 14 days, they will be quarantined for 14 days upon entry. Otherwise, they will be issued a Stay-Home-Notice (SHN) upon entry.This does not apply to permanent residents of Singapore or long-term pass holders. If they have been in Hubei Province (China People’s Rep.) in the last 14 days, they will be quarantined for 14 days upon entry. Otherwise, they will be issued a Stay-Home-Notice (SHN) upon entry.This does not apply to work pass holders with the MOM’s prior approval letter. They must show the MOM approval letter to airline staff upon check-in and before boarding. If they have been in Hubei Province (China People’s Rep.) in the last 14 days, they will be quarantined for 14 days upon entry. Otherwise, they will be issued a Stay-Home-Notice (SHN) upon entry.

SOUTH AFRICA

Passengers who have been in China (People’s Rep.), France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Korea (Rep.), Spain, USA or United Kingdom are not allowed to transit or enter South Africa.This does not apply to nationals and residents of South Africa. Passengers who have been in Hong Kong (SAR China), Portugal and Singapore are subject to extra screening. A completed health questionnaire must be presented to Port Health upon arrival.

SRI LANKA:

Nationals of China (People’s Rep.) can no longer obtain a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka.A completed Health Declaration Form must be presented to the public health inspectors or any other authorized officials upon arrival.

Passengers who transited through or have been in Iran, Italy or Korea (Rep.) in the past 14 days are not allowed to enter Sri Lanka.Visa on arrival for all eligible nationalities have been suspended.

Passengers who transited through or have been in Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Qatar, Spain, Sweden or United Kingdom are not allowed to enter Sri Lanka.

Visas and ETAs issued to nationals of Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Korea (Rep.), Netherlands, Norway, Qatar, Spain, Sweden and passengers with a British passport have been invalidated.This does not apply to passengers with a diplomatic, an official or a service passport.

Sri Lanka has halted all passenger arrivals to all airports.

TANZANIA:
Air Tanzania suspended February flights to China from Dar es Salaam.

THAILAND:

Passengers arriving from China (People’s Rep.), Hong Kong (SAR China), Iran, Italy, Korea (Rep.) or Macao (SAR China) must have a Health Certificate to prove they are free from Coronavirus (COVID-19). They must be under doctor’s observation 14 days before issuing date. The Health Certificate must be valid for not more than 2 days prior to departure. This does not apply to Thai nationals.

Nationals of United Arab Emirates are not allowed to travel to Thailand. Thai Airways will cancel some flights to China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the Philippines, Bangladesh and the United Arabs Emirates from February to most of March.

Passengers arriving from China (People’s Rep.), Hong Kong (SAR China), Iran, Italy, Korea (Rep.) or Macao (SAR China) must have a medical insurance with coverage of 100,000 USD.

VIETNAM:

All visa on arrivals are suspended.

Passengers who have been in or transited through China (People’s Rep.) in the past 14 days are not allowed to enter Viet Nam. This does not apply to nationals or residents of Viet Nam.

Passengers who have been or transited through Korea (Rep.) will be quarantined.

Passengers who have been or transited through Korea (Rep.) will be quarantined.  Passengers who have been or transited through Iran or Italy in the past 14 days will be quarantined for 14 days.

Passengers who have been in or transited through Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland or United Kingdom in the past 14 days are not allowed to enter Viet Nam. This does not apply to nationals of Viet Nam. This does not apply to passengers who reside in Viet Nam.

Vietnam will suspend the issuance of visas to all foreigners over concerns regarding the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

No flights between mainland China/South Korea and Vietnam.

Methods of Transmission

There have been many myths and misconceptions regarding how COVID-19 transmits. The British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) provides some useful information regarding how COVID-19 spreads and how to stay safe from the coronavirus. Click on the Twitter Feed below for more information.

Health Authorities Updates

• WHO has declared COVID-19 to be a global pandemic, but stressed that the situation can still be controlled.
• WHO classified COVID-19 as a global health emergency, over concern that the virus could spread to developing countries with weaker health systems.
• WHO has NOT issued a formal travel ban in regards to the coronavirus.
• Health authorities across the globe are implementing measures to reduce to risk of virus transmission such as performing temperature screenings at airports.
• Journal of the American Medical Association note that children rarely contract coronavirus in a full-blown form. Only at most very mild or asymptomatic infection. Mean age is 49-56 years old.  
• WHO advises travellers to wash hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub, cover nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with tissue and avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms.

USEFUL WEBSITES

Here are some useful links to stay up to date and that can help to protect you from contracting COVID-19.

INFORMATION

Johns Hopkins University CSSE COVID-19 Dashboard – Comprehensive set of basic statistics regarding the Coronavirus (i.e. number of cases, fatalities).

World of Health Organisation (WHO)– Official updates on global response to COVID-19 from the WHO.

IATA– Full list of travel restrictions implemented by countries in response to COVID-19.

New York Times – Live list of travel restrictions by country in real-time.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Travel Advice and COVID-19 updates from US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Ministry of Health, Singapore (MOH) – Official advice and updates on COVID-19 situation and response in Singapore.

HOW TO STAY SAFE

British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC)– Has some useful communication regarding how COVID-19 is spread.

Foreign Policy: How to Stay Safe – Advice from SARS veteran Laurie Garrett regarding how to stay safe from COVID-19

How to Prepare (Rationally) from the Coronavirus – General advice on precautions to take against Coronavirus.

So Where can we Travel Now? – Advice on travelling under COVID-19 by  National Geographic Travel Executive Editor.

Timeline of Updates:

• 11 March 2020 – The WHO has declared COVID-19 to be a global pandemic, but stressed that the outbreak can still be controlled.
• 21 February 2020 – China once again reverts COVID-19 diagnosis criteria to remove cases diagnosed by lung scanning, which will likely bring the number of recorded coronavirus cases down.
• 14 February 2020 – Japan reports its first COVID-19 fatality in Kanagawa Prefecture. The victim was an elderly woman in her eighties with no record of visiting China.
• 13 February 2020 – Due to a change in how COVID-19 is diagnosed in China, the number of confirmed cases has increased to 60,328 (59,805 in China) with 1368 deaths (1 in the Philippines).
• 12 February 2020 – The WHO officially names the disease COVID-19. There are currently 45,188 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in China.
• 7 February 2020 – More than 31,000 cases confirmed in China with about a 2% mortality rate.
• 4 February 2020 – The individual case in Sri Lanka has made a full recovery and has been discharged.
• 3 February 2020 – The following airlines have suspended flights to China: Air India till Feb 14,  Air New Zealand from Feb 9 till March 29, Air Tanzania, Delta, Ethiopian Airlines, Finnair,  Kenya Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Russia, Rwandair, Scoot from Feb 8, United Airlines from Feb 5 until March 28, Qantas from Feb 9 until March 29, Vietjet, Vietnam Airlines and Virgin Airlines.
• These airlines have suspended some or reduced flights: Air China will suspend its daily flights to Vietnam, Italy and Mongolia until end of March, and between Beijing to Singapore, Melbourne and Sydney flights. American Airlines suspended flights to Beijing and Shanghai till March 27, but will continue to fly to Hong Kong. China Eastern have suspended their flights from Shanghai to Los Angeles and New York and other Northern America major cities until March 29. China Southern have reduced flights. Hainan Airlines suspended its flights between Budapest, Hungary and Chongqing from Feb 7 unitl March 27. Juneyao Air suspended and cancelled flights from Shanghai to Taipei, Bangkok, Macua and Singapore. Lufthansa have suspended flights to China until Feb 9 , but continues to fly to Hong Kong. Philippines will cut the number of flights between Manila and China by 50 percent starting in Feb. Shanghai Airlines suspends its Chengdu-Budapest flight between Feb 4 and March 28. Xi’an-Budapest flight between Feb 6 and March 26.
• 3 February 2020 –Thailand reports some success in treating coronavirus from flu and HIV drug cocktail.  
• 3 February 2020 – More than 17,000 cases confirmed in China with about a 2% mortality rate. There are now 149 cases across 24 countries.
• 31 January 2020 – More than 9,700 people globally have been infected with the coronavirus. The vast majority is still in China, with 98 cases overseas in 18+ countries.
• 30 January 2020 – These airlines have suspended all flights to China amid the outbreak: Air France (until Feb. 9), British Airways (until end February), Air Seoul, Egyptair, Lion Air, Lufthansa (till end February), Swiss Airlines (till end February) and Austrian Airlines (till end February). These airlines have suspended some flights or reduced capacity: Singapore Airlines: reduced capacity on flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Xiamen and Chongqing. American Airlines: suspended flights from Los Angeles to Beijing and Shanghai from Feb. 9 to March 27. Delta Airlines: reducing flights to 21 a week from 42, from Feb. 1 to April 30. Cathay Pacific: progressively reducing capacity to and from mainland China by 50% or more, from Jan. 30 till end March. Finnair: suspended flights to Nanjing and Beijing until end March. Turkish Airlines: reducing frequency of flights to Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Xian from Feb. 5 to Feb. 29.
• 30 January 2020 – More than 7,700 people globally have been infected with the coronavirus. The vast majority is still in China.
• 29 January 2020 – No cases of coronavirus in Mongolia. Mongolia closes pedestrian and road crossings with China. Schools, universities and playgrounds have been closed for more than a month – until March 2.
• 29 January 2020 – Hong Kong restricts some access from mainland China
• 29 January 2020 – More than 6,000 people globally have been infected with the coronavirus. The vast majority is still in China.
• 28 January 2020 – More than 4,500 people globally have been infected with the coronavirus
• 27 January 2020 – More than 3,000 people globally have been infected with the coronavirus
• 26 January 2020 – Hong Kong Disneyland and the cable car in Lantau are closed. All other tourism sites in Hong Kong remain open. Beijing’s Forbidden City and sections of the Great Wall have been temporarily closed.
• 26 January 2020 – More than 2,000 people globally have been infected with the coronavirus.
• 23 January 2020 – Officials in Wuhan shut down Wuhan, putting the city of more than 11 million residents under quarantine.
• 22 January 2020 – China’s National Health Commission confirmed the virus has claimed 26 lives in China. The virus has since spread around the world.
• 20 January 2020 –  Human-to-human transmission has been confirmed.
• 7 January 2020 – WHO names the virus 2019-nC0V. It is from the coronavirus family which includes the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and the common cold.
• 1 January 2020 – Wuhan’s Huanan Wholesale Seafood Market which sells live animals has been linked to the outbreak has been shut down.
• 31 December 2019 – Chinese authorities alert WHO of a series of pneumonia-like cases in Wuhan.
• 8 December 2019 – A patient in the city of Wuhan sought medical help for pneumonia-like symptoms.

For any questions, please contact your Travel Consultant or contact us at ask@blueskyescapes.co.

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