Essentials
COVID-19, or coronavirus disease 2019 is an infectious respiratory illness. It is caused by SARS-CoV-2 and spreads from one person to others via respiratory droplets.
It is caused by the same type of viruses as two other recent coronavirus epidemics – SARS and MERS. While both SARS and MERS have much higher fatality rates – 10% and 35% respectively compared to COVID-19's 2%-4% in Wuhan and less than 1% – elsewhere in the world, the transmission rate of the new corovavirus is higher and potentially much more people may get sick.
Where you should avoid travelling?
The Centres of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend to avoid unnecessary travel to China and South Korea and exercise a high level of caution when travelling to Italy, Iran, and Japan.
Is it still safe to travel in Asia?
WHO continues to advise against the application of travel or trade restrictions to countries experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks as an ineffective measure.
It basically means that travelling does not either help spreading the infection nor it is highly risky for those who are not sick, have no chronic diseases or underlying health conditions.
Yet, at the moment, any travel includes some risk of contracting COVID-19. To minimize it, follow these simple recommndations from WHO.
Recommendations for international travellers
Be prudent and follow general recommendations for personal hygyene.
Wash your hands with soap and water often especially after contacting with respiratory secretions.
Try to stay at least one metre away from those who show symptoms.
Cover nose and mouth with a flexed albow when coughing or sneezing.
Do not touch your mouth, nose or eyes.
Remember that wearing a medical mask is not required if you have no symptoms – these mask are ineffective in protecting healthy people from catching the virus.
On the positive side
The numbers of travellers has fallen all across Asia. For those who do not cancel their travel plans it also means rare opportunity to have some of the most iconic places and beaches all for themselves. Many middle-class and luxury accommodations are offering huge discounts right now. Should you stay or should you go?
It is still up to you to decide but do always prioritize your safety.
Coronavirus and Your Travel Plans – Sould You Cancel?
News in Asia
Travel plans are being cancelled and postponed around the world as people feel more and more anxious about the COVID-19 outbreak. Should you stay home or should you go?