How is the virus transmitted?
Much remains unknown about the 2019-nCoV. Current knowledge is largely based on what is known about similar coronaviruses. Most often, coronaviruses are spread from person-to-person in situations of close contact (about 6 feet/2 meters). The spread is thought to occur mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and other respiratory pathogens spread. These droplets can land in or near the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. It is currently unclear if a person can get 2019-nCoV by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of the virus are closely related to those of the common cold with mild to moderate upper-respiratory tract illnesses and a general feeling of being unwell. Common signs of infection include:
In more severe cases, infection can cause lower-respiratory tract illnesses such as pneumonia or bronchitis, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death. This is more common in people with cardiopulmonary disease, people with weakened immune systems, infants, and older adults.
How can I protect myself?
There is currently no vaccine or preventive treatment against 2019-nCoV. The best way to protect yourself from contamination is to avoid exposure to the virus. To do so, when traveling to at-risk areas:
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Maintain at least 3 feet (about 1 meter) between you and other people, particularly those who show cold-like symptoms such as sneezing, coughing and congestion.
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Wash your hands carefully with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer.
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Cover your mouth and nose with your arm or a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Discard the tissue immediately into a closed bin and wash hands.
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Avoid touching your mouth and eyes.
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Avoid consumption and handling of raw or undercooked animal products
Should I use a face mask?
Wearing a face mask will not help if the preventive measures listed above aren’t followed. It is also important to note that there is currently a global shortage of medical-rated face masks. WHO is advising on a rational use of medical face masks thus avoiding unnecessary wastage of precious resources and potential misuse of masks. Masks should be used only if you have respiratory symptoms (coughing or sneezing), have suspected 2019-nCoV infection with mild symptoms or are caring for someone with suspected 2019-nCoV infection.
Should I cancel my international trip?
The short answer is “it depends.” There are currently no advisories inviting travelers to avoid all international trips; ongoing travel restrictions and airlines’ route suspensions are only directed to China as of now. However, some international travelers might be impacted because their original plans included a connection or layover in China. In these situations, airlines have either rerouted their flight to another connecting airport or canceled the flight. If you have a trip to Asia coming up, you might be eligible to reschedule it or cancel it without penalties or fees. Some non-refundable reservations might even be eligible for a refund. Travelers should check with their airline, hotel, or cruise line.
All nonessential travel to the People’s Republic of China, however, should be avoided. Most governments around the globe have issued a travel ban and/or high-level advisory, asking their residents not to travel to China until the outbreak is under control. Because of these restrictions and the clear decrease in demand, many airline carriers have stopped or reduced their service to China. Travelers should be prepared for further travel restrictions with little to no advance notice. For more information regarding which airlines are affected, read our recent
Assist Alert.
How are travelers being screened?
Countries around the world have established screening protocols at their main ports of entry for travelers coming from China. Some countries are also redirecting those travelers to specific airports where health screening and quarantine protocols are in place.
Travelers from China and other cities in Asia are asked to fill out forms and specify their travel itineraries. Health officials before departure and upon landing will ask travelers about their symptoms, places they have visited, and take their temperature. Any traveler with signs and symptoms that match those of the coronavirus infection are treated in an airport’s Quarantine Station. Travelers are also advised to use caution when returning home and to limit their contact with others until the 14-day incubation period has ended.
When should isolation be considered?
To help limit the spread of coronavirus, you should isolate yourself in the following circumstances:
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If you have traveled to Hubei Province – where the virus started – within the past 14 days, you must isolate yourself for 14 days after leaving the Province.
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If you have left, or transited through, mainland China on or after 1 February 2020, you must isolate yourself for 14 days after leaving mainland China.
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If you have been in close contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus, you must isolate yourself for 14 days after your last contact with the confirmed case.
If you fall under one of these scenarios, you will need to isolate yourself at your house or in your hotel room for 14 days – the virus’ incubation period. During the isolation period, do not go to work, schools, stores and other public places. Do not see visitors besides members of your household and apply extreme caution when around those family members. Ask others who are not in isolation to get food and necessities for you. If you must leave home, such as to seek medical care, wear a face mask.
What do I do if I get ill?
If you develop mild symptoms:
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Isolate yourself from others at home and use a separate bathroom if available.
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Put on a medical mask and practice good sneeze/cough and hand hygiene
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Call a doctor or hospital and tell them your recent travel or close contact history
If you have serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, call the emergency dispatch number for immediate medical attention and go to the nearest emergency room.
Assist America is available 24/7 to assist members traveling in the region by providing updates and general travel advice with regards to the developing outbreak and its impact on international travel.