(Update 31/01/2020) The new coronavirus has been declared a global emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO), as the outbreak continues to spread outside China.
"The main reason for this declaration is not what is happening in China but what is happening in other countries," said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
The concern is that it could spread to countries with weaker health systems.
At least 213 people in the China have died from the virus, mostly in Hubei, with almost 10,000 cases nationally.
About the coronavirus
A coronavirus is a type of virus. Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.
Generally, coronavirus can cause more severe symptoms in people with weakened immune systems, older people, and those with long-term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease.
Wuhan novel coronavirus is a new strain of coronavirus first identified in Wuhan City, China. The World Health Organization (WHO) moved to declare the new coronavirus an emergency within China but has refrained from classifying the outbreak as an epidemic of international concern.
Travel insurance advice from ABI
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) have issued a list of Q&As regarding the coronavirus and have stated that anyone planning to travel to, or who is in China or neighbouring countries, should check and follow government advice www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/china. The Government currently advises against all but essential travel to mainland China. Anyone travelling to a country or region against government advice risks invalidating their travel insurance.
Travel cancellations
British Airways (BA) has suspended all direct flights to and from mainland China, following travel advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO).
A spokesperson from BA said: “We apologise to customers for the inconvenience, but the safety of our customers and crew is always our priority. Customers due to travel to or from China in the coming days can find more information on BA.com.”
It’s not just British Airways that have suspended travel, but also several cruise lines. Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises have both announced that they have suspended sailings from Shanghai in light of the virus outbreak.
A Royal Caribbean cruise line spokesperson said: "In light of the latest developments with the coronavirus outbreak in China, we are suspending the January 27 and January 31 sailings of Spectrum of the Seas, currently our only ship homeported in China. We are working with our guests to provide full refunds for the cancellation. The health and safety of our guests and crew is our primary concern, and we continue to work with the World Health Organization, the Centres for Disease Control, and government health authorities to monitor the situation."
Statement from the FCO
A statement from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advises against all but essential travel to mainland China. A spokesperson said: “Due to the increasing travel restrictions and the public health situation, we now advise against all but essential travel to China.
We are also working urgently to finalise arrangements for an assisted departure from Hubei Province for British nationals this week, and are in contact with people in Hubei to ensure they register their interest and that we can keep them updated.
The UK continues to be guided by the latest medical advice about the coronavirus outbreak. Any British nationals with questions or concerns should contact our helpline (+44) (0)207 008 1500.”
If you have a trip planned to one of the affected areas of China then please contact your travel insurance provider to find out what you are covered for.
