28 February 2020

Important Resources for Coronavirus & Travel

Travel Updates

Important Resources for Coronavirus & Travel

As a Group of Leading Travel Companies, we are often asked to provide our insights on current global situations like the Coronavirus COVID-19. We’ve faced health-related issues in the past – SARS, Zika, Ebola – and realize this outbreak is having a major impact on our industry and can make travelers uneasy. Our priority is to the health, welfare, and overall comfort of our travelers. We have been closely monitoring the outbreak of coronavirus, now known as COVID-19. The situation is updated daily and we divert our clients to update from official sources such as the website from WHO (World Health Organization) where you can find information & guidance regarding the current outbreak of coronavirus disease.

1. How likely I am to catch is COVID-19?

The risk depends on where you live or where you have travelled recently. The risk of infection is higher in areas where a number people have been diagnosed with COVID-19. More than 95% of all COVID-19 cases are occurring in China, with the majority of those in Hubei Province. For people in most other parts of the world, your risk of getting COVID-19 is currently low. However, It’s a good idea to get the facts to help you accurately determine your risks so that you can take reasonable precautions. (See FAQ’s). Your healthcare provider and your national public health authority are all potential sources of accurate information on COVID-19. It is important to be informed of the situation where you live and take appropriate measures to protect yourself. (See Protection measures for everyone)

2. Where can I obtain the most up-to-date information on coronavirus & affected areas?

We recommend checking the latest daily Situation Reports from the World health Organization at this link here. Additionally, you can get general information on the virus and destinations with diagnosed cases at the CDC Website. For information about travel health notices for Greece, please click here.

3. Is it appropriate to cancel or change travel plans in light of the Coronavirus?

This is largely a personal decision that travelers must make after weighing all the facts at hand. Please note that for most destinations of the world, there are no official limitations on travel. The world is a big place and there are still plenty of destinations to visit that haven’t been impacted by the coronavirus.

     Questions you should ask before canceling your trip because of the coronavirus

  1. Is your destination affected by the coronavirus outbreak?
  2. Are you part of a group that is at risk of a coronavirus infection (older people or those with pre-existing medical conditions).
  3. Do you have travel insurance? If you cancel, will your travel insurance cover your costs?

4.  I’m planning to visit countries with known cases of coronavirus. Should I cancel my plans?

In general, we recommend checking with the U.S. Department of State to see their current Travel Advisories and deciding what you feel comfortable with. Our travel designers are still helping travelers to plan trips to Greece and to every continent, including those affected by the coronavirus, but understand any hesitations you may have. Regardless of where or when you choose to travel, we are ready to assist.

5. Will insurance cover cancellations due to coronavirus?

For coverage to apply, the event impacting their trip must be listed within your insurance policy certificate. Many travel protection plans exclude losses caused directly or indirectly by an epidemic. Please refer to your plan to learn whether this exclusion applies to you. It is important to note that fear of travel, travel advisories, and destination being inaccessible due to this illness are not covered risks under most insurance plans. Please find at this link here a few details on what is and isn’t covered to Travel Insurance for the Coronavirus.

6. I’m planning on traveling – what precautions can I take?

  • Arrive to the airport early and make sure you have a longer connection time between flights many are now instituting health screens or extended security checks to try to limit the spread.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Further reading for more information:

Have more questions about travel and the coronavirus?

Our team of travel designers is here to assist with any questions you may have about upcoming travel. During this period, our team is trying to book for you only FLEX fares for every service and ensures that we get the best possible cancellation policies for your trip. For any further questions please contact with our team of experts:

 

Yours in support & partnership,

KYVERNITIS MANAGEMENT TEAM

Accreditation & Associations

SETE