Evaluating the Coronavirus
Photo from @jeshoots
In the past few weeks there has been a lot of questions and dialog about Coronavirus, and the risks and impact on travel. And rightly so; anytime there is a health situation that impacts a global community of people, it gets our attention. I’m not a health expert by any means, but I am monitoring the situation closely, and encourage everyone to arm themselves with fact-based data from the following federal and global authorities when making decisions about how this impacts you, your family and travel plans:
What is the status today?
The impacts of the Coronavirus are changing daily, so as it relates to travel, please watch these resources:
The U.S. Department of State maintains webpages for each country. And on each country page you can find detailed information relevant for travelers, including health and safety warnings and comprehensive travel advisories that follow a four-level structure:
Level 1: exercise normal precaution
Level 2: exercise increased caution
Level 3: reconsider travel
Level 4: do not travel
The World Health Organization offers a global perspective on health issues around the world. Click here to access their webpage dedicated to the Coronavirus, including situation reports, FAQs, travel resources and more.
The Centers for Disease Control is run by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, and they also have a section of their website now dedicated to updates specific to the Coronavirus.
On many of these websites you’ll have an opportunity to sign-up for email notifications with updates.
How should I evaluate the risks for future travels?
The situation is changing daily as communities get a better handle on the spread of the virus, as the public gets educated on how to mitigate its spread, but in some areas the reach is also reshaping itself through communal spread. And as a result of these shifts the official status, and recommendations from the authorities outlined above, is also changing daily.
This unknown landscape can be challenging when you have travel plans, or are itching to make future travel plan. I’m a planner too, so I get it! But to help you evaluate whats best for you, ask yourself these questions:
As of today, what is the risk level from official authorities? And be sure to get down to the geographic level of where you’re traveling (i.e. Rome vs. Venice.) And how comfortable are you in what you’ve read about how the situation in relevant areas is being managed?
What advice does your Doctor have? They’ll have a valuable perspective on how your current medical situation might be impacted by the risks, if any.
Are there must-have trip experiences (i.e. visiting the Eiffel Tower, visiting the Vatican, seeing a soccer match, etc.) currently part of your trip impacted? Or has there been a statement issued outlining their position, process for managing any impact, etc?
Do you have travel insurance? And if so, have you called the insurance company to understand how you’d be covered in the situations you’re most nervous about?
What’s your final cut-off date to make a decision as to whether or not you go on the trip? Set that date, know what needs to happen for your answer to be a “go” or “no-go” and then just try to sit tight and follow updates from the authorities between now and the date you set.
If you’re nervous in general, is there a possibility to postpone your trip, or change destinations?
The unknown is scary, I get that. But I do encourage all of us to stay informed and educated, be prepared, assess the true risk, and know that we all need to keep living, keep exploring and keep chasing our travel dreams.
Mary
Founder, Living Big Travel