Should I Cancel My Trip Due to Coronavirus? An Airline Workers Opinion

Listen, as someone that has to come face to face with the Coronavirus fear on a daily basis I want to automatically scream yes. Yes keep your germs home. Please sneeze in your own space. JUST DON’T SHARE YOUR COOTIES WITH ME. ” My son’s school even sent home a letter about their plans if Coronavirus comes to the city. The reality of this is, just like any widespread illness there is a lot of fear and very little information being shared about Coronavirus. I see all over social media people asking “should i cancel my trip due to coronavirus? I personally just came from a super fun trip to New Orleans with very little thought about it. But It is hard not to get worked up and worried about it. But should you cancel your trip? Let’s take a look at some of the facts.

What is Coronavirus?

A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not that same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.

A diagnosis with coronavirus 229E, NL63, OC43, or HKU1 is not the same as a COVID-19 diagnosis. Patients with COVID-19 will be evaluated and cared for differently than patients with common coronavirus diagnosis.

How is COVID-19 spread?

This virus was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. The first infections were linked to a live animal market, but the virus is now spreading from person-to-person. It’s important to note that person-to-person spread can happen on a continuum. Some viruses are highly contagious (like measles), while other viruses are less so. Currently, it’s unclear how easily or sustainably this virus is spreading between people. Learn what is known about the spread of newly emerged coronaviruses.

 The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading from person-to-person. Someone who is actively sick with COVID-19 can spread the illness to others. That is why CDC recommends that these patients be isolated either in the hospital or at home (depending on how sick they are) until they are better and no longer pose a risk of infecting others.

How long someone is actively sick can vary so the decision on when to release someone from isolation is made on a case-by-case basis in consultation with doctors, infection prevention and control experts, and public health officials and involves considering specifics of each situation including disease severity, illness signs and symptoms, and results of laboratory testing for that patient.

Will a facemask protect me from Coronavirus?

CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. You should only wear a mask if a healthcare professional recommends it. A facemask should be used by people who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms. This is to protect others from the risk of getting infected. The use of facemasks also is crucial for health workers and other people who are taking care of someone infected with COVID-19 in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).

What prevention methods can I take from Coronavirus?

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

Should I cancel my trip due to Coronavirus?

As of February 26th, 2020 the US Government has issued travel advisories for multiple countries with reported cases of COVID-19. China and South Korea have both been issued a level 3 travel advisory which recommends avoiding all nonessential travel within those countries. Japan, Italy and Iran are at a level advisory and Hong Kong is at a level 1.

So should you avoid travel? There have been reported cases within the US of Coronavirus but as of today, no deaths reported. The reality of it is, they are actively working within airports to screen travelers. Workers are being reminded to practice proper sanitaion and prevention methods. Passengers that have been to high level countries are being denied international travel. Precautions are being taken to the bbestof peoples abilities.

My personal OPINION? Don’t cancel any domestic travel plans. If you have ANY travel planned be sure to watch the State Department’s website. You can also sign up for notifications. Keeping yourself informed with facts and not fear is the best way to avoid the spread of misinformation.

So what do you think? Will you cancel your trip due to Coronavirus?