Coronavirus Advice for Travelers

With 11 million, Wuhan is the most populous city in central China and the 7th most populous in China. It’s main gateway, Wuhan Tianhe International Airport has 45 airlines flying to 109 non-stop destinations in 20 countries. On average, 30,000 passengers depart the airport every day. As of January 23, flights out of Wuhan have been canceled due to the coronavirus outbreak, and only special flights (medical, cargo, diplomatic) are being allowed with prior coordination.Regarding other gateways, airport entrance screening is being implemented. Passengers from affected areas arriving at these airports with a fever may be subject to questioning by local port health authorities, registration for follow up monitoring, and possible quarantine and testing.What advice is UAS giving private flyers arriving?

• Monitor the latest development continuously. Be aware of the risk of additional administrative measures taken by the government at any time (airport closure, commuting restrictions within cities, temperature screening).
• Bring your own protective mask, hand sanitation liquid, disinfection tissues as those items are sold out in China.
• Always wear a face mask when outside.
• Avoid public areas as much as practicable.
• Follow local laws and advisories.
• Finally, have the emergency contact of your embassy ready.

Are any of the FBOs temporarily closed?No FBOs are closed at the moment, however, changes can happen at very short notice.Has the travel department been diverting flights bound for Beijing and Shanghai?Until today all flight operations to Beijing and Shanghai are normal. No diversions or abnormalities have been observed.What is your advice? Delay China trips?

• No general travel ban has been issued. From our point of view, it is better to delay trips to China as there can be a rapid change in administrative safety measures.
• It has been our experience that hotels are suddenly closing or no longer accepting guests for health safety issues.
• Any person is also subject to government health checks if any symptoms are shown. Now, influenza symptoms can be misinterpreted and there is always a risk of misinterpretation.
• Unavoidable trips are still safe, but it is important to stay on alert and well informed before and during the visit to China.

If travel must happen, what’s your advice? Be sure to get the right mask to wear, practice good personal hygiene, keep hydrated and well-nourished.