With the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, or coronavirus, a lot of fear and doubt has arisen regarding both international and domestic travel. Here’s what we know about COVID-19 as of right now:
- According to the World Health Organization and the CDC the risk of getting COVID-19 us still currently very low.
- The COVID-19 virus spread the same as the flu, through respiratory droplets spread by an infected person coughing or sneezing.
- If you are infected the symptoms can range from cold symptoms to severe respiratory distress.
- There is currently no vaccination or specific antiviral, just supportive care.
- This virus is very similar to the 2002 SARS virus which was minimal in North America, as well as most of Europe
- More than 75% of all cases are isolated to China
So how does this affect your personal travel? While we understand the news about the COVID-19 virus is very frightening, as of right now both the CDC and WHO have no travel restriction outside of China, South Korea, Italy and Iran. Furthermore, traveling on an airplane does no more to spread the disease than being in any enclosed room with other people-and therefore doesn’t increase the risk of contracting COVID-19 or any other virus. If you are immune deficient or have increased worries about your travel plans during this COVID-19 outbreak, please contact your medical doctor to talk about the risks to you as an individual, as well as precautions you should take during everyday life and while traveling.
As of right now, because there are limited travel restrictions, travel insurance is not covering voluntary cancelations because of COVID-19–even if your work has restricted your personal travel. If you are DIRECTLY affected by the virus, that is when travel insurance can be claimed on your existing trips. As always, your safety and health is our number one concern. We will continue to monitor this situation and keep you updated as we know more information.
Here are some helpful links to keep up to date on the state of travel around the world: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html
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