John Townsend
Public Relations Manager, DC
O: (202) 481-6820 (ext. 4462108)
C: (202) 253-2171
jtownsend@aaamidatlantic.com
WASHINGTON, D. C. (Friday, January 31, 2020) ––The news is breaking apace as the virus outbreak continues to spread globally. The situation is changing rapidly. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus in the People’s Republic of China a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern” (PHEIC). The U.S. Department of State has increased its China Travel Advisory to a Level 4 (Do Not Travel). Commercial airlines are suspending or reducing routes to and from China. International travelers should consult a knowledgeable travel agent, advises AAA Mid-Atlantic. The Washington Dulles International Airport is one of 20 airports across the country conducting enhanced health screenings to detect ill travelers affected by 2019-nCoV arriving from mainland China.
In the wake of the growing concern regarding coronavirus, Delta’s last China-bound flight departing the U.S. will leave on Monday, February 3, with the last return flight back to the U.S. departing China on February 5. Due to continued worries over the coronavirus outbreak, American Airlines is suspending its operations to and from the Chinese mainland, beginning today, January 31, through March 27. “Travelers were warned to be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice.” With the list growing of the number of airlines suspending flights to and from China on coronavirus worries, AAA Travel recommends travelers check with their airline or travel agent for the latest updates and state of affairs.
Airlines may not cover all the costs associated with a delayed or cancelled flight, cautions AAA Travel. In addition to airlines, cruise lines and hotels are also making changes in the aftermath of the outbreak of coronavirus and the declaration of a global health emergency. Although many Americans purchase travel insurance for international trips, it might be of little utility under these circumstances. “Unfortunately, an outbreak of a virus/disease, such as coronavirus, is a not covered reasons under travel insurance plans for trip cancellation purposes,” according to the leisure travel industry. However, travel insurance may help cover medical expenses while traveling, internationally and in the United States, advises AAA Travel. Many hospitals outside of the country require cash payments before providing treatment.
It arrived as unexpectedly as a thief in the night. Now “the deadly Coronavirus has expanded to almost 20 countries.” Just yesterday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced it has confirmed that the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) has spread between two people in the United States. The news represents the first instance of person-to-person spread with this new virus in the United States.
The outbreak of novel (new) coronavirus (2019 nCoV) first started in Wuhan, China, home to 11 million in residents. But cases have been identified in a growing number of other international locations, including the United States. The CDC and the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have implemented enhanced health screenings to detect ill passengers, including at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), which serves 7,742,959 international passengers annually.
CURRENT SITUATION
- U.S. State Department Travel Warning - Level 4 - DO NOT TRAVEL – highest warning U.S. residents NOT to travel to China due to the novel coronavirus (Jan. 30).
- World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus a public health emergency of international concern (Jan. 30).
- As coronavirus spreads, Delta Air Lines and American Airline are suspending all flights to mainland China over health concerns.
- U.S. airlines offer to change China flights for free for another month as coronavirus spreads.
- Some cruise lines and tour operators have also adjusted itineraries or changes travel policies in response.
- The Centers for Disease Control and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on Tuesday revealed more details about the government's plans to expand coronavirus screening efforts in the United States, with the list of participating airports increasing from five to 20 – including Washington Dulles International; these airports collectively handle 90% of passengers arriving from China.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises travelers from China to watch their health for 14 days and seek medical care if they develop a fever, cough, or have difficulty breathing. Do not travel while you are sick.
AAA TRAVEL TIPS
- Travelers should heed all government warnings; U.S. State Department issues DO NOT TRAVEL WARNING Thursday night.
- That said, the decision to travel is a very personal one that must be made by the individual.
- Consult your airline/travel providers or a travel agent for any changes to travel plans, government issued travel warnings, waived change and/or cancellation fees, etc.
- Review travel insurance policy/contact travel insurance provider for policy details.
- Travel with all necessary travel documentation, including health insurance cards.
- FOR FUTURE TRAVEL: Consider purchasing “cancel for any reason” travel insurance, which may include medical coverage among other options. Check with a travel agent and carefully review insurance policies before purchasing.
- Travel with all necessary travel documentation, including health insurance cards.
- Know the nearest location of and contact information for the U.S. embassy or consulate to contact them in case of an emergency. Also, enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
For travelers arriving to the U.S. from China, CDC and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are continuing to conduct enhanced health screenings of passengers at designated U.S. airports, including Washington Dulles International Airport. The CDC warns it “is likely there will be more cases of 2019-nCoV reported in the U.S. in the coming days and weeks, including more person-to-person spread. CDC will continue to update the public as we learn more about this coronavirus.”
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AAA provides automotive, travel and insurance services to 60 million members nationwide and nearly 82,000 members in the District of Columbia. AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years. The not-for-profit, fully tax-paying member organization works on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. For more information, visit https://aaa.com
Ragina C. Ali
Public Relations Manager, MD
O: (410) 616-1900 (ext. 4361152)
C: (443) 465-5020
RAli@aaamidatlantic.com