Borders starting to close

BHUTAN is believed to be the first country to completely close its borders to foreign visitors in response to the coronavirus crisis.

The move follows the diagnosis of a 79-year-old American tourist who arrived on a flight from India last week.

The patient is now in hospital isolation in Thimpu, with a statement from Bhutan’s Health Ministry saying “the government will impose two weeks’ restriction on all incoming tourists with immediate effect.

“This is to enable rigorous monitoring, source assessment of infection and mitigate the situation,” officials said.

A host of other countries have introduced new screening measures, targeting travellers arriving from or transiting through China, South Korea, Italy or Iran in the last 14 days.

The presence of coronavirus has now been confirmed in Jordan, Austria, Germany, Belgium, South Africa, Russia and the UAE.

While in most cases enhanced border measures are being implemented, some countries including several in the South Pacific are completely banning entry to people arriving from affected regions, or imposing a mandatory 14 day quarantine.

MEANWHILE, authorities in Italy have placed the north of the country under quarantine, affecting about 16 million people including the cities of Milan and Venice -

COLLETTE Tours has cancelled all departures in Italy until the end of the month, with the Italian Government quarantining up to 16 million residents in the north of Italy in a move to contain the country’s COVID-19 outbreak.

Guests are being offered the option to change to travel on a date and tour of their choice, or receive a full refund.

More information is provided in a video-message from Collette President Jacyln Leibl-Cote HERE.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is also allowing guests to cancel their cruise up to 14 days prior to departure, and rebook in 2020 without any penalty.

Guests can also receive a future cruise credit for the penalty amount incurred at time of canx.

Travellers can also rebook with any Travel Corporation brand for 2020 or 2021.

Smartraveller, which updated its Italy advice today, informed

Australians they “may be subject to screening and other measures as determined by local authorities”, while the Australian Government introduced increased health screening measures for travellers returning from Italy on Fri (TD 06 Mar).

Residents of Lombardy and 14 other central and northern provinces will need special permission to travel, with Milan and Venice both affected.

A number of airlines, including Italy’s flag-carrier Alitalia, suspended flight operations at Milan Malpensa Airport.

The carrier will also only serve domestic routes from Milan’s regional airport, Milan Linate.

However, the city’s Il Caravaggio International has released a spirited video reminding flyers that they remain open for business - “even during the hardest times”.

CLICK HERE to view the video.