Helpful Travel Tips & Information
The following travel advice related to Coronavirus has been issued by the ITAA:
WHO
The WHO does not recommend any travel or trade restrictions
Latest update from WHO:
Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.
European Commission:
Mobilisation of aid package – see link:
- The EU will mobilise €232 million to help fight the epidemic globally by containing the virus. Of the €232 million, €114 million will go to the WHO in response to the organisation's call for global preparedness.
- The remainder is distributed as follows: €15 million for the Pasteur Institute in Dakar (for the development of rapid diagnostics and epidemiological surveillance); €100 million for research on vaccines and treatments; €45 million for the pharmaceutical industry's contribution to public/private partnerships; €3 million support to EU Member States for the provision of personal protective equipment to China and the repatriation of EU citizens who wish to do so under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
- The scientific basis, proportionality and coordination of measures will remain the rule, including for possible travel restriction.
- A joint mission of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) was scheduled today in Italy to support the Italian authorities
The EU is also prepared to continue co-financing measures for the air repatriation of European citizens. For the time being, however, there are no plans to repatriate citizens from Italy.
Situation in Italy:
The Italian authorities have announced the suspension of all direct air links with China as of 1 February and a temperature check at the airports for all travellers coming from abroad.
They have also taken restrictive measures in the following 11 municipalities in Lombardy and Veneto: Codogno; Casapusterlengo; Castiglione d'Adda; Maleo; Fombio; Bertonico; Castelgerundo; Somaglia; San Fiorano; Terranova dei Passerini; Vo Euganeo.
For these municipalities, the Italian public authorities have decided on:
- the suspension of all public events and sporting activities;
- the suspension of business activities in the areas concerned;
- the closure of commercial activities (except for basic necessities);
In addition, these towns are no longer accessible by public transport.
With the exception of the 11 communes mentioned above, there are no other restrictions of movement in the rest of the country.
Member States have issued recommendations to travellers returning from areas affected – please consult the website of your Ministry of Foreign Affairs (under travel advice or coronavirus).
The above information has been collated and provided by the ITAA.
Click the link to read the WHO's Information leaflet on Coronavirus. Updated 25th February 2020.
Call our travel hotline for expert advice or to book your trip.