CoronaVirus Update #2

With this week’s headlines, and your upcoming travel plans, I know that the CoronaVirus is on your mind. I’m sure you’re getting questions from friends and family, and you are looking for the most up-to-date, unbiased information that you can find. I can assure you that, as a travel professional working with many clients departing on trips within the next few weeks, I am closely monitoring this situation too.
 
Here's what I can tell you:
 

• Cruise lines, airlines and other travel providers have instituted enhanced, proactive safety measures to screen travelers for symptoms of the virus.

 

• Travel providers are monitoring the situation in the destinations they serve, and are not interested in sending passengers and employees into situations where they might be in danger of becoming sick, or being stuck in quarantine.  At the moment, the only departures I’ve seen being cancelled are to Asia, but that may evolve over time.

 

• Medical professionals are advising that you are your own best protection against this new virus, and should be taking the same precautions you regularly take to avoid cold and flu germs (including hand washing, antibacterial wipes, and more)

 

• Your best and most up-to-date source of information is the World Health Organization https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019  and the CDC website https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html 

 

• Insurance companies have stated that they are not covering trip cancellations due to fear of the virus (their words) so any proactive changes you make of your own accord, at this point, are going to be subject to the travel supplier’s penalties.

 

• We are encouraging clients to maintain perspective, stay informed, and keep an eye on things as they develop.

 
Your health, safety and well-being is my top priority, and I will be happy to answer any questions that you have. I will, of course, let you know if there are any cancellations/disruptions that will directly affect your plans. And you can feel free to reach out to me at any time.