Coronavirus Update: Travel to China and Other International Locations
Coronavirus Update: Travel to China and Other International Locations - for Students, Faculty and Staff
See Information for Western students, faculty and staff regarding Novel Coronavirus
Date: February 18, 2020 (Updated)
Resource: International SOS
Travel to China
The Canadian government has issued an updated advisory to avoid all non-essential travel to China, and to avoid all travel to Hubei province.
This updated “Level 3” advisory triggers Western’s Safety Abroad Policy and subsequently cancels all university-sanctioned travel for Western undergraduate and graduate students to China until further notice. This includes exchange, research placements, field courses, conference travel, or any other travel that has been approved, authorized or supported by a Western University unit, department, staff or faculty member.
Western’s Safety Abroad Policy does not govern faculty and staff travel. However, we encourage all members of the campus community to follow the Government of Canada travel advisories and closely monitor the situation.
Additional safety abroad information for students, faculty and staff is available through International SOS. Any questions may be directed to travelregistry@uwo.ca
More Detail:
A novel coronavirus has caused an outbreak of pneumonia in China, which has been confirmed in over 70,500 cases in China and over 400 cases in other countries. Other viruses in this family cause MERS and SARS.
The first case was reported in Wuhan, Hubei Province on 12 December, and subsequently the new virus was identified on January 8. Cases have been confirmed in people who travelled from Wuhan to other locations in China including Beijing, Shenzhen and Shanghai, as well as to other countries/territories including Australia, Canada, Cambodia, France, Germany, Malaysia, Nepal, Hong Kong, Japan, Macao, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, United Arab Emirates, Egypt and the United States.
There is increasing evidence of human-to-human transmission, including infection of healthcare workers. Transmission to people in close, unprotected contact is possible.
The situation is rapidly evolving. Chinese authorities and international experts continue to investigate the routes and extent of transmission and update guidance.
With increased travel over the Lunar New Year holiday period, a rise in cases and affected locations is likely.
Various international authorities have advised against unnecessary travel to China. As of 23 January, local authorities in Wuhan have suspended all public transport facilities, including intercity buses, subway and ferries, and outbound flights to stop the spread of the virus. Since then, further travel restrictions have been extended to other Chinese cities. Authorities in other cities in Hubei have limited movement, and a growing number in other provinces have suspended public transport facilities. There is no data available about how long the suspension will last. People in Wuhan are required by law to wear a face mask when in a public place.
Travel to Other International Locations
The World Health Organization (WHO) states this outbreak meets the threshold of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) at this time.
There has been an increase in travel restrictions for a number of other international locations, which mainly impact travellers who have recently visited China, but can affect all travellers. Consequently, travellers should anticipate heightened screening measures and related disruption at international and country/territory borders even if travellers have not visited China recently.
Advice
- Defer all travel to China, in particular to the cities and provinces under official travel restrictions.
- Mandatory medical testing and review has been implemented should you require medical attention for a fever while in China.
- There are restrictions and limited options for medical treatment for those in areas of outbreak, in addition to people who have been to China because an increasing number of health facilities outside China will not accept patients who have been to the country in the last 14 days.
- The ability to evacuate patients within and to outside China is extremely restricted.
- Increased risk of further expansion of the outbreak and subsequent restrictions by the Chinese authorities preventing travellers from leaving/returning home.
- Increased risk of quarantine and stringent entry restrictions at your next destination, particularly for those considered to be a 'contact' of a patient with COVID-19.
- Any travellers currently in China and returning Chinese residents should confirm quarantine requirements at your desination and your original location.
- Many airlines have announced limited services or suspension on routes serving mainland China. Reconfirm itineraries according to the restrictions in place at your destination prior to travel.
- Travellers holding People's Republic of China (PRC) passports, coming from mainland China or those who have been to mainland China 14 days prior to arrival at their destination, or place of transit, should reconfirm their itineraries, visa status and the overall feasibility of travel to your destination country/territory prior to departure.
- A growing number of countries have implemented travel restrictions, including entry bans, visa suspensions and mandatory quarantine measures for PRC passport holders and/or individuals on route from China. Reconfirm visa status and on arrival services for your destination country/territory prior to departure.
- Monitor the situation closely.
- Do not visit wet markets or farms.
- Avoid any activity involving groups of people.
- Keep some distance from people who are obviously sick.
- Avoid close contact with potentially infected people. Avoid sharing food, drinks and utensils.
- Maintain good personal hygiene.
- Wash your hands frequently. Carry hand sanitizer for use when soap and water are not readily available.
- Avoid touching your face. Cover coughs and sneezes.
- Avoid direct contact with animals (live or dead) and their environment. Do not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with droppings.
- Ensure food, including eggs, is thoroughly cooked.
- Seek medical attention if you develop symptoms, especially fever or shortness of breath.
- Do not travel if you are sick - note that some locations have implemented screening, and travellers may face quarantine and testing.
- Monitor your health. Seek medical attention if you develop symptoms, follow the local procedures for your location. When travelling to medical care, consider wearing a mask, use private transport, avoid contact with others as much as possible. Ensure you provide your travel history to the medical facility.
As a reminder, any students participating in international university-sanctioned travel to any destination are required to complete the Safety Abroad Steps for Students, in particular the Travel Registry (step 3) and registration with the Government of Canada (step 5).
Should you have any questions or require further assistance with the safety abroad protocols, please contact us at travelregistry@uwo.ca.
