Coronavirus: Martin Lewis explains effect on travel insurance
Coronavirus cases are adding up in Switzerland as the number of people testing positive rose to four today. Two new cases were reported this morning. The patients have now been put into quarantine.
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The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has updated its travel advice to Switzerland.
The FCO stated: “There is an ongoing outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19).
“The virus originated in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, but cases have been confirmed in other parts of China and in some other countries, including Switzerland.
“You should comply with any additional screening measures put in place by the cantonal authorities."
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The government added: “More information is available from the Federal Office of Public Health in Switzerland.
“Further information on coronavirus, including advice on preparing for foreign travel and helping reduce the spread of the virus, is available from Public Health England and on the TravelHealthPro website.”
The first case of coronavirus in Switzerland was confirmed on Tuesday.
The patient was a man in his seventies and is now in isolation in a clinic. Those who have been in contact with him will be tested and placed in quarantine to monitor their condition over the next 14 days.
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Earlier today, a 28-year-old man in the canton of Geneva become Switzerland’s second confirmed case of coronavirus.
He had recently travelled to Geneva - and is now in isolation, with 15 of the man’s friends and colleagues in quarantine.
Switzerland’s Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) said in a statement today: “The number of cases in Switzerland that have tested positive has therefore risen to four.
“The public health authorities are contacting people who have been in close contact with the person infected.
“It is possible that further cases may occur in Switzerland. The risk to the population is moderate.”
More than 500 people in Switzerland have so far been tested for the new coronavirus.
The FOPH that there are no travel restrictions for entry into Switzerland.
“Travellers and cross-border commuters will be updated on the current situation at the border and at airport,” the body said.
They issued the health advice: “Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, or use hand sanitiser.
“Cough or sneeze into a paper tissue, or if you don't have a tissue use the crook of your arm.”
Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel, has shared his travel advice. He said: “With thousands of holidaymakers set to travel in the next few weeks, particularly in the run-up to Easter, people will no doubt be concerned about how their travel plans will be impacted by the ongoing concerns around coronavirus.
“As the situation is developing, we would advise anyone due to travel in the upcoming weeks to ensure they take out travel insurance if they haven’t already in case any further advice is issued against travel to other countries.”
It is also well worth contacting your airline or travel agent if you’re concerned.
Boland said: “If you are concerned about travel to a country where FCO advice has not been issued, speak to your travel agent or airline as some are offering the chance to rebook for a later date.
“Your insurer may also allow you to cancel depending on specific circumstances, such as if you have a pre-existing medical condition.”