30 Jan 2020
Posted by Barry Aldworth 
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has updated its advice on travel to China, advising against all travel to Hubei Province and the capital city of Wuhan. This is as a result of an outgoing outbreak of the Coronavirus that originated in Hubei Province, but has since spread to several areas of China.
AA Travel Insurance customers seeking to cancel travel plans to the Hubei Province in light of the DFA’s advice can contact our claims line on 01 431 1204 (or 00 353 143 11204 if dialling from outside of Ireland) for advice on their cover entitlements.
There are no direct flights between Ireland and Wuhan, and flights between London, Paris and Rome and the Chinese city have been cancelled. Chinese authorities have imposed severe transport restrictions on 10 cities and are building a 1,000 bed hospital to accommodate people with the virus in the space of a week. In Ireland, airport and hospital staff have been told to be on high alert for anyone with flu-like symptoms returning from Wuhan.
The DFA is also advising those travelling elsewhere in China to expect potential delays and additional checks when entering or leaving China or when travelling between major cities in China. Those exhibiting symptoms of fever, coughing, and respiratory illness are particularly likely to experience delays as a result of the additional screening measures when traveling to or within China.
The World Health Organisation has also recommended the wearing of single-use masks and regular hand-washing using alcohol-based soap to those travelling to or within China for the foreseeable future.
The AA is advising those travelling to China in the coming weeks to keep up to date with travel advisory notices being issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
