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Travel Advice for Coronavirus COVID-19 (Update 14)

05 March 2020

The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports the outbreak of COVID-19 continues to expand. By 04 March 2020, 93 090 confirmed cases (including 3 198 deaths) were reported, with 80 422 (86%) of the global total reported in China.

The outbreak now affects countries in all regions of the world. Outside China, the Republic of Korea, Italy and Iran have seen the greatest number of cases.

A full list of affected countries is given by Public Health England.

While WHO has reported that most people who have COVID-19 will experience a mild illness, elderly people and those with existing health problems are at greatest risk of severe illness.

Advice to All Travellers

Prior to travel, the following should be checked:

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office(FCO) site provides guidance for UK nationals travelling overseas, including how to seek consular assistance if required.

Travel agents or airlines should be contacted for latest information on local travel restrictions and local authority guidance relating to COVID-19.

Travel insurance is essential: the COVID-19 outbreak may impact travel insurance coverage, travel insurance policies should be carefully checked before travel.

The FCO countries or territories pages should be checked prior to travel for the latest advice, including:

  • Travel advisories and restrictions; it must be noted that these are subject to change and should be checked regularly. The FCO currently advise against all travel to Hubei Province and all but essential travel to the rest of mainland China (not including Hong Kong and Macao).
  • Entry requirements for the destination; a number of countries have announced restrictions on entry by travellers from China in response to the outbreak
  • Reports of COVID-19 at the destination; travellers to countries reporting cases of COVID-19 should follow local public health advice.

Information on COVID-19, including prevention advice, is available on TRAVAX for travel healthcare practitioners and fitfortravel for the travelling public.

Returning Travellers from areas affected by COVID-19

Returning travellers can check the latest advice on risk areas, including where returning travellers are required to self isolate:

  • Travellers returning to Scotland should check here HPS website
  • Travellers returning to other parts of UK should check here PHE website

Travellers from risk areas who develop symptoms on return to the UK, that are compatible with COVID-19, should self-isolate and contact one of the following:

  • NHS 111 (England and Wales)
  • 0300 200 7885 (Northern Ireland)
  • NHS24 (Call 111) or their General Practitioner (Scotland)

Advice to Healthcare Practitioners

There remains a risk of imported cases to the UK. Health professionals should remain vigilant for symptomatic individuals who may have COVID-19.

Guidance on testing as well as a range of other resource materials are available from:

  • Scotland - Health Protection Scotland has produced a range of guidance and resource materials available via this link HPS website