Travel Tips When an Advisory is Announced
With spring break on the horizon and summer fast approaching, many families are thinking ahead to school breaks and sunny vacations. In the midst of the coronavirus, many travel advisories and warnings are being released, which has sickened more than 96,000 people worldwide and killed more than 3,300.
“We are asking the American public to prepare for the expectation that this might be bad,” Dr. Nancy Messonnier, director of the C.D.C.’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, said at a news briefing in February.
Based on what we know now, people should feel “very comfortable” traveling to destinations in the United States like California and Florida, said Dr. Aaron M. Milstone, M.D., a professor of pediatrics at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. “But that could quickly change.”
If you’re traveling by plane, you might be in luck. Unlike chickenpox or measles, the virus doesn’t appear to be airborne, meaning it most likely does not linger suspended in the air. Even so, it’s a good idea to use disinfectant wipes to clean tray tables and bathroom handles while traveling.
Experts say that whether or not you should cancel your plans really depends on where you’re heading, especially for travel outside of the United States. Right now, the C.D.C. is recommending that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to China, Italy, Iran, and South Korea.
Because of the travel warnings, it’s a good idea to purchase travel insurance. It’s important to read all the fine print and understand what this coverage may or may not cover. In some cases, you may not receive a reimbursement if you cancel the trip. However, there are “cancel for any reason” policies that allow you to cancel the trip for any reason – including worries about contracting the coronavirus – and still be reimbursed your prepaid trip.
Remember, you can stay up-to-date with the coronavirus numbers by visiting the John Hopkins map.
Please take note of this information and avoid spreading germs when possible. At Hoffman Brown Company, we’re always on the lookout for ways to stay safe. Contact us if you have any concerns or questions.
