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Travel Advice for Coronavirus COVID-19 (Update 13)

27 February 2020

The World Health Organisation(WHO) reports the outbreak of COVID-19 continues in China and other countries. By 20 February 2020, 75 748 cases (including 2 129 deaths) were reported, with 74 675 (99%) of these in China. Within China, 62 031 (83%) cases were reported from Hubei Province, where the outbreak began.

The disease has since spread internationally including Europe.

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 greater 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 FCOcountries 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
  • England, Wales and NI - Public Health England has produced guidance and resource materials available via this link PHE website