Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is having tremendous impact on Hospitality & Leisure Industries around the globe.

We encourage travelers to check for the most recent and relevant updates.

Read on for a wrap up of how the virus is affecting travel, ways you can protect yourself, and tools and resources for staying abreast of this fast-developing situation.

The hospitality industry is facing the rapid spread of coronavirus with direct repercussions. Hospitality stocks are battered and cancellations are mounting. Read More...

There are 712 travel related cases reported as of 3/28/2020. Updated number could be find in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Website.

People at higher risk for severe disease are older adults and people of any age with serious chronic medical conditions (such as heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes). CDC recommends that travelers at higher risk for COVID-19 complications avoid all cruise travel and nonessential air travel.

Many nations are enacting more stringent travel restrictions or travel bans, and new policies are being implemented daily. Here is a roundup of travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The IATA is also maintaining a comprehensive country-by-country list of COVID-19 restrictions on travel. Most commercial airlines have reduced or suspended routes to and from epidemic areas as well as an overall reduction due to fewer travelers in general. New travel restrictions are being introduced daily, so it is advisable to check directly with your carrier before flying. In addition, many restaurants and attractions around the world have closed to avoid large gatherings.

Travelers returning from affected areas are advised to self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days and follow their country's national protocols which may include self-quarantine for the incubation period.

If you become sick while travelling, inform crew and seek medical care early,
If you seek medical attention, share travel history with your health care provider

COVID-19 cases have now been reported on every continent except Antarctica.

You can track the disease globally in real-time with

Johns Hopkins University.
Worldometers.info

Resources for following COVID-19's impact on transportation:

• Airfarewatchdog Blog: COVID-19 Flight waivers and refund policies by airline
• Airfarewatchdog Blog: COVID-19 Flight cancellations by region and airline
• Cruise Critic: Coronavirus - Cruise Ship Policies and Cancellations

• Travel insurance cover my flight cancellations?
  Standard travel insurance is unlikely to cover cancellations as a result of the coronavirus outbreak - concern over health and safety is not generally listed under standard coverage.
  
  In addition, because the spread of the COVID-19 virus is well known and is no longer considered an "unexpected event" travelers are also unable to purchase "Trip Cancellation" benefits for the coronavirus, according to travel insurance comparison website Squaremouth.
  
  Also, each insurance provider assigns a specific date to when they consider an event having a "foreseeable impact" on travel. In regards to the COVID-19 virus outbreak, this date ranges between January 21st and January 27th, according to Squaremouth.
  
  Travelers are instead being encouraged to purchase a "Cancel For Any Reason" upgrade, which will ensure coverage for the outbreak - but this typically increases the premium by about 40%.
  
  If trip interruption coverage is included in your policy, standard travel insurance will likely cover you.
  
  
• If I get sick Travel insurance cover my Medical Expense?
  Standard travel insurance covers medically necessary expenses if you're injured or get sick while on your trip. Sickness, Injury, death or hospitalization occurring to Your Host at Your Destination. A Physician must certify the Sickness or Injury.

Travelers who are insured through their credit cards are advised to file a claim with their financial institution to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. But similar to policies purchased through insurance providers, coverage may not include concern over health and safety.

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness. These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure (based on the incubation period of MERS-CoV viruses). Common signs of infection:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face

Anyone can fall ill but the groups most at risk of severe infection or death are elderly people or people with pre-existing medical conditions such as high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes. Very few children have been diagnosed or suffered serious cases.

COVID-19 is mainly spread from person to person through respiratory droplets when an infected individual speaks, coughs or sneezes at close range, which the WHO defines as within at least 1 metre (3 feet).

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also warned it may be possible for a person to become infected by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose or eyes.

There have been some reported cases of asymptomatic spread, meaning a person showing no symptoms has passed the virus onto others. However, this is considered uncommon.

There is currently no vaccine against COVID-19. To protect yourself against infection, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends:

• Clean your hands often: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact: Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Put distance between yourself and other people, distance should be at least 1 metre (3 feet) between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing
• If you are showing symptoms take steps to protect others: Stay home if your are sick, except to get medical care.Cover coughs and sneezes. Throw used tissues in the trash. Immdiately wash your hands. Wear a facemask.

Here's a roundup of government, academic, non-profit, and news resources for learning more about COVID-19:

Global advice:
World Health Organization
News coverage

• Reuters
  
• AdAge Industry Event Tracker
  

By region and country:


European Commission
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
News coverage

• The Guardian