February 13, 2020 Update
Cathay Pacific is keeping a very good list of travel restrictions by country:
February 4, 2020 Update:
Here are some good additional resources regarding the coronavirus:
Frequently Asked Questions: https://pandemic.internationalsos.com/2019-ncov/ncov-faqs
International SOS did a presentation recently, here is the link to their recorded presentation: https://vimeo.com/388930998
- Many thanks to International SOS for sharing with everyone! There is additional information on their website as well.
Update from the Singapore government: https://www.mti.gov.sg/-/media/MTI/Newsroom/Wuhan/v2/1-Feb-Advisory.pdf
January 31, 2020 Update:
We are starting to see countries place restrictions on entry on travelers from China or who have been in China, not just Hubei Province. Extra consideration should be given to travel of those who are coming from within China, are Chinese passport holders or who have visited China recently. Below are some of the countries that are implementing a ban on all visitors from China. It is not an exhaustive list and decisions are being made and revised rapidly.
United States
●The United States has issued a “Level 4” travel advisory for China, its highest level of caution, over the rapidly spreading outbreak.
●●Beginning Sunday, the United States will funnel all flights from China to the United States through seven airports.
●Americans returning to the United States who have been in China’s Hubei province within 14 days will face a mandatory quarantine. Americans returning to the United States from other parts of China will face enhanced screening and a self-quarantine of up to 14 days.
- Foreign nationals other than immediate family members and permanent residents who have travelled to China in the past 14 days will be barred entry to the United States.
Singapore
On Friday, January 31st, Singapore announced a ban on entry to all Chinese visitors and foreigners with a recent history of travel to China. The ban does not apply to Hong Kong passport holders and travelers from Hong Kong SAR.
This joins the list of countries who have banned residents of Hubei province and those who have visited Hubei province in the last 14 days. Please use local resources to investigate updated information and take into consideration.
January 30, 2020 Update:
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the novel coronavirus a global public health emergency. The declaration will give WHO the capabilities to help coordinate the global response.
Also per the WHO:
At last count, more than 7,700 people have been sickened by the novel coronavirus and 170 have died from it. More than 90% percent of those cases, and every death, have been in China.
According to WHO, 20% of cases are considered to be severe and 2% have been fatal. It’s expected that the fatality rate of the new coronavirus will decrease as more cases are reported, since the sickest individuals tend to seek medical treatment first.
This is good news and is the next step in global coordination to defeat the coronavirus. We are thankful for WHO’s focus and for all the work scientists are diligently doing to better understand this virus. We are especially grateful to all the healthcare workers on the front lines supporting the sick and working to stop the spread.
January 28, 2020 Update:
The US Centers for Disease Control has raised the alert status of the coronavirus to Level 3: Avoid all non-essential travel to China. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/warning/novel-coronavirus-china
The Hong Kong government is implementing the following measures:
- All schools are closed until February 17
- No public gatherings or sports activities are permitted
- Rail and ferry services will be halted as is the high speed rail
- Government employees do not need to return to work until next week
- Many businesses are giving employees the option to work from home
Some countries including the Philippines are halting visa on arrival for travelers from Mainland China. Please check before travelling.
The ASEAN countries are reporting updates here: https://www.aseanbriefing.com/news/2020/01/28/coronavirus-asean-live-updates.html
For more details on actions being taken within China, visit: https://www.china-briefing.com/news/coronavirus-latest-emergency-measures-announced-prc-government/
January 27, 2020 Update:
China has extended the Lunar New Year holiday through February 2nd.
Shanghai has closed business until February 9th.
https://www.china-briefing.com/news/china-extends-lunar-new-year-holiday-february-2-shanghai-february-9-contain-coronavirus-outbreak/
Singapore is imposing a 14 day leave of absence for those returning from China who serve in certain capacities including schools.
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/wuhan-virus-singapore-to-impose-14-days-leave-of-absence-for-those-in-schools-healthcare?xtor=CS3-18&utm_source=STiPhone&utm_medium=share&utm_term=2020-01-27%2012%3A01%3A23
January 25, 2020 Update:
Several countries are arranging evacuation of their nationals in Wuhan. Foreign nationals inside Wuhan should be in contact with their consulate or embassy for additional information.
For US Citizens, the evacuations are being organized via the STEP program: https://step.state.gov/STEP
There are also reports of France making arrangements for bus transfers out of Wuhan for citizens via their local embassy in Wuhan: [updated address] https://cn.ambafrance.org/-Consulat-Wuhan- The consulate is closed for the Chinese New Year Holiday, but there are phone numbers posted for use during this time:
For information on the coronavirus epidemic, you can contact 10 85 31 20 10 (call from mainland China)
In case of emergency contact +86 27 65 79 79 66
Hong Kong has raised its response to “emergency” level and schools will remain closed until February 16. And several other countries are considering evacuations.
Again, things are changing rapidly and while we will share information as we can, we encourage everyone to monitor the situation with health and government authorities. Some links have been provided in the original post below.
We hope that the steps being taken by authorities will help stem the spread of this new virus so everyone can enjoy a happy and healthy New Year. Our thoughts are with those impacted and while there is still unknowns regarding the virus, we encourage everyone to take the precautions advised by the health community and can be found listed below.
Original Posting
In an increased effort stop the spread of the new coronavirus, Chinese authorities have issued a travel ban on residents of Wuhan, China.
Beginning at 10:00 am Thursday, January 23rd, all urban buses, subways, ferries and long-distance passenger transport are suspended. There is no ban on personal vehicles, but residents have been advised not to leave the city unless there are extenuating circumstances. The closures have
We are monitoring things as they progress and will continue to share information with you as it becomes available. We strongly recommend reviewing the following collection of information gathered from official sources to help you stay abreast of the situation.
Sources of Information
Follow official websites of the authorities for immediate news. Events are changing rapidly. Check back frequently for new information. Here are a few we use:
World Health Organization: www.who.org
Centers for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov
Singapore Ministry of Health: www.moh.gov.sg
Hong Kong Center for Health: https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/102465.html
Precautions
Government and Health authorities have issues precautions that we recommend be taken seriously for those currently in Wuhan or those traveling throughout Asia.
For travelers in Asia
- Practice good hygiene and make sure to wash hands with soap and water frequently for no less than 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- If coughing or sneezing, cover both nose and mouth with a tissue or an arm. Avoid using a hand.
- Wear a mask if you have a runny nose or cough.
- If you are sick, avoid travel.
- Avoid contact with sick people
- Monitor your health for two weeks after travel and see medical assistance if you become ill
For those in Wuhan and recent visitors, in addition to the above,
- Avoid crowded, public spaces.
- Wear a mask when outside
- Avoid animals (dead or alive), animal markets and products that come from animals such as uncooked meat
Know the Symptoms
Signs and symptoms include: fever, cough and difficulty breathing.
Know what to do
If you exhibit symptoms and are or have been at risk for possible exposure to the coronavirus, seek medical care immediately. Before heading to a healthcare facility, call the location to explain your symptoms and notify them of your potential risk of exposure.
For companies located in Wuhan, we do not have any more information that what is readily available. There is much that remains unknown about the virus, but per the authorities it is now spreading human to human. Companies may wish to consider implementing a work from home policy in the interim, if possible. If employees will still be in the office, following the advice above for prevention should be combined with vigilant disinfecting of all commonly touched areas including doorknobs, copy machines, etc.
We keep the people of Wuhan in our thoughts and our hopes with the medical community that they will quickly learn more to end the threat of further expansion and loss of life.
Update: January 23 11:30 am Chicago:
Authorities announced similar quarantine measures for nearby cities of Huanggang and Ezhou. These will take effect on Friday. In Huanggang, theaters, internet cafes and other entertainment centers will also be closed.
In the capital, Beijing, officials canceled “major events” indefinitely, including traditional temple fairs that are a staple of holiday celebrations, in order to “execute epidemic prevention and control.” The Forbidden City, the palace complex in Beijing that is now a museum, announced it will close indefinitely on Saturday.
https://apnews.com/ed98662865c3c2eafc1733c827111ab2
