Travel Warnings

Coronavirus Warning
The World Health Organization (WHO) is monitoring the situation. Coronavirus is a family of viruses that includes the common cold and viruses such as SARS and MERS. Thus far this new strain of virus has killed 56 people in several Chinese provinces.
In the latest update, the WHO says there have been more than 2,000 confirmed cases in China and 23 other cases in 10 countries across the globe. Quarantines in China have impacted tens of millions of people.
Confirmed cases have also been reported in Thailand, Korea, Vietnam, Japan, Nepal, Singapore, Australia, France, Malaysia and the United States. Five cases have been confirmed in Arizona, California, Illinois and Washington.
Airports around the world have opened up major screening checkpoints. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is monitoring the situation and has raised its travel warning to Level 3. It says travelers should avoid all nonessential travel to Hubei Province, China including Wuhan. 

WHO’s standard recommendations for the general public to reduce exposure to and transmission of a range of illnesses are as follows, which include hand and respiratory hygiene, and safe food practices:

• Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water;
• When coughing and sneezing cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – throw tissue away immediately and wash hands;
• Avoid close contact with anyone who has fever and cough;
• If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing seek medical care early and share previous travel history with your health care provider;
• When visiting live markets in areas currently experiencing cases of novel coronavirus, avoid direct unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces in contact with animals;
• The consumption of raw or undercooked animal products should be avoided. Raw meat, milk or animal organs should be handled with care, to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods, as per good food safety practices.

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CDC Zika Virus Warning
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging pregnant women — at any stage of pregnancy — to consider postponing travel to areas with Zika. Please review all countries and territories with active zika virus transmission by reviewing the report provided by the CDC.
The CDC advises if you must travel to one of these areas, talk to your healthcare provider first and strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites during your trip. 
Top 5 Things Everyone Needs to Know About ZIka provided by the CDC

1. Zika primarily spreads through infected mosquitoes. You can also get Zika through sex.
2. The best way to prevent Zika is to prevent mosquito bites.
3. Zika is linked to birth defects.
4. Pregnant women should not travel to areas with Zika
5. Returning travelers infected with Zika can spread the virus through mosquito bites.

Follow these steps to prevent mosquito bites during your trip. If Zika is in your area, here are some key facts and tips on prevention. 
Specific areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing are often difficult to determine and are likely to change over time.  
For more information, please visit  CDC.gov/travel/notices.  

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