The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regularly issues “Travel Health Notices” for areas that have disease or virus outbreaks and other health-related matters across the globe.
The new coronavirus has officially complicated global travel, with some places more dangerous than others.
So if you have to travel soon, here are some destinations you’ll absolutely want to avoid if you don’t want to be the next person quarantined for the coronavirus.
One of the biggest issues with the outbreak of the coronavirus is that many people are uninformed or misinformed on what it is.
Firstly, coronavirus is a general term for a “family of viruses” that cause a range of illnesses with symptoms of a common cold to much more severe illnesses that can ultimately be fatal. Coronaviruses are also zoonotic, which means they are transmitted between animals and people.
Secondly, do you remember SARS, which stands for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome – the virus that sparked an outbreak in 2002 and originated in southern China? That was one of many coronaviruses.
Lastly, a report recently claimed that 38% of Americans refuse to drink Corona beer because of the name association. Well, the name is purely coincidental, so if you want to kick back with a Corona and lime, there is nothing to fear.
Right now, there are four Warning Level 3 countries to completely avoid: China, South Korea, Iran and Italy. These countries are the most infected with this new coronavirus. In fact, most airlines have suspended flights to these destinations for preventive measures.
Level 2 areas include only Japan. Level 1 areas include only Hong Kong.
However, this doesn’t mean there aren’t infected persons elsewhere—like in the United States which has 60 reported cases so far (at the time this article was written).
But there are other destinations you should avoid if you can.
International Airports
International airports probably seem like the most obvious to avoid, but some people simply can’t due to necessary business travel. So be on the lookout when checking bags, going through security, and perusing the terminal.
The most important thing to keep in mind is how many people are flat-out lying about where they’ve traveled to or from to avoid being quarantined for a lengthy period of time. They’d rather roll the dice and their selfishness could eventually get you sick.
You also may be tempted to wear a mask – and you’ll certainly see a lot of people wearing them at the airport – but the reality is that it won’t help you at all. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.
Infection prevention specialist Dr. Eli Perencevich, a professor at the University of Iowa’s College of Medicine says, “The average healthy person does not need to have a mask, and they shouldn’t be wearing masks. There’s no evidence that wearing masks on healthy people will protect them. They wear them incorrectly, and they can increase the risk of infection because they’re touching their face more often.”
Museums/Zoos
Museums and zoos are the most popular attractions for tourists. That means people from all over the world – and perhaps those who have recently been to Asia – visit these places every day.
And since the incubation period for the coronavirus could last for weeks, people can have the virus unknowingly and infect an object like a handrail.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the coronavirus has spread to areas where U.S. troops are currently stationed. This means it’s not exclusive to a specific race because literally anybody could carry it.
Arenas/Movie Theaters/Amusement Parks
Do you have plans for an upcoming concert or sporting event? Are you planning a trip to one of the main theme parks? Well, you might want to reconsider.
While you’ll likely be fine attending whatever event you have coming up, the chances of catching the virus increases wherever there are more people. It’s just simple logic.
So whatever movie you planned to see in the theaters will be just as good on video-on-demand. Besides, the quality of movies has been in steady decline for years, so save a few bucks and wait to watch it from the safety of your home.
Hospitals/Clinics/Schools
Movie theaters are easy to avoid, but hospitals, clinics, and even schools are obviously not so easy. Just be sure to wash your hands consistently and carry a bottle of alcohol-based hand sanitizer when going to these places.
Many believe that as the weather gets warmer the new coronavirus will taper off, but until then, avoid heavily trafficked places and anyone who exhibits flu-like symptoms.
