'Reconsider Travel' To China: Countries Issue Warning As Coronavirus Continues To Spread

Amidst precautions to prevent the further spread of the novel coronavirus that originated from Wuhan, China to other countries, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the latest country to report a confirmed case of the deadly virus.

In a statement issued today, January 29, 2020, the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention said that a family that arrived there from Wuhan, China has been diagnosed with the coronavirus, without disclosing which emirate their destination was.

“The health condition of those infected is stable and under medical observation,” it reads.

No coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the Philippines as of this writing, although a number of tourists are still under observation at hospitals after showing symptoms.

More from Smart Parenting

DOH: Avoid Shaking Hands, Eating Uncooked Food As Precaution For Novel Coronavirus

With almost 6,000 infected and 132 deaths in 19 countries, including Japan, Singapore, France, Germany, Australia, and the United States, measures are being taken, including travel warnings and border closures.

- Hong Kong is restricting travel to China by closing its border to mainland China, including ferries, buses, and trains starting this midnight until further notice.

- In China, Hubei province has been locked down since Tuesday, while public transportation in its capital city Wuhan was shut down effective Thursday. Consequently, large establishments like McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Ikea have had to close some of their stores in these areas. 

- The U.S. State Department has issued an alert level 3 travel advisory to passengers headed to China, while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urged people to avoid “nonessential travel” to China.

More from Smart Parenting

It Takes About Two Weeks Before A Person With Wuhan Coronavirus Shows Symptoms

- Canada has issued a warning to its citizens against traveling to Hubei province.

- The United Kingdom’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office has advised its nationals to avoid traveling to Hubei province, and that “If you’re in this area and able to leave, you should do so.” Likewise, British Airways, the flag carrier airline of the United Kingdom, has suspended all flights in and out of mainland China starting Wednesday.

- French nationals have also been warned against traveling to Hubei province by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs

- Non-essential travel to China is being discouraged by India’s health ministry, Germany’s Foreign Office, the New Zealand government, and the Australian government.

In addition, some countries like Japan, Germany, and the United States are taking steps to evacuate their citizens who are currently in China’s affected areas.

More from Smart Parenting

Coronavirus In PH? Security Tightens As Boracay Tourists Show Symptoms

Are Surgical Masks Enough To Protect From The 'Novel' Coronavirus?

Some PH Schools Suspend Classes As Precaution Against Wuhan Coronavirus

Fact Or Myth: Oregano Essential Oil Can Protect Your Family Against Coronavirus