The Australian government travel advice for China has been upgraded to “Reconsider your need to travel” in response to the recent Novel Coronavirus outbreak. There is a “Do not travel” advisory in force for the Hubei Province where the virus originated.
Although much is still unknown about the Novel Coronavirus, Chinese authorities have been quick to quarantine Hubei Province and implement travel bans in an attempt to arrest its spread.
There is no doubt that significant population movement occurs during Chinese New Year celebrations and this will have aided the spread of the Novel Coronavirus to other countries. The international community is also being proactive in trying to contain the virus.
Travel advice in relation to the Novel Coronavirus is constantly evolving. The World Health Organisation is closely monitoring the situation as are governments and healthcare authorities.
This coronavirus is a new strain and has never been previously identified in humans. It can be hard to detect as symptoms can be as mild as a common cold. Typical symptoms include cough, fever and respiratory distress. Severe cases can involve kidney failure and pneumonia. This virus can prove fatal.
For all travellers, we recommend;
- Avoid all non-essential travel to China (as per the current smartraveller travel advisory).
- Avoid all travel to Hubei Province.
- Talk to your doctor before travelling with small children or if you are pregnant.
- Talk to your doctor before travelling if you have pre-existing respiratory conditions or a weakened immune system.
- Keep up to date with World Health Organisation and Australian government travel advisories relating to this coronavirus.
- Maintain good personal hygiene, cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and dispose of any tissues in a bin.
- Minimise contact with anyone showing signs of respiratory illness.
- If you are experiencing any respiratory symptoms, feel unwell or think you may have been infected, please seek urgent medical attention.
- Do not travel if you think you may have been infected.
- Anticipate travel disruption and delays due to personal temperature screening at certain airports and cancellation of scheduled public transport services.
- Follow the advice of local authorities and contact your airline to see if any of your flights have been or are likely to be affected.
- It is not known if wearing a face mask will minimise the risk of infection but if travelling in an affected country, local authorities may require you to wear a mask in public areas.
We strongly recommend travellers follow the advice of the World Health Organisation and Australian government. They should also seek advice from their travel insurance provider if their travel plans include travel to regions or countries affected by the Novel Coronavirus.
If you have an existing Go Insurance policy and would like to discuss policy response to your particular circumstances, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 1300 819 888 or claims@goinsurance.com.au