Is it safe to travel to Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan? Latest advice as coronavirus kills almost 500
CORONAVIRUS has now killed nearly 500 people, with tens of thousands of people infected.
While China is still the worst affected, nearby countries such as Thailand have also been badly hit.
Countries and destinations around China are all stepping up on safety measures to prevent the spread of the virus, with some restricting travel.
Before you travel, here’s what you need to know:
Is it safe to travel to Hong Kong?
There have been confirmed cases of coronavirus in Hong Kong, a special administrative region (SAR) of China.
It is connected to mainland China by road and as of February 4, the region has closed almost all border crossings with mainland China indefinitely – the only exceptions are the Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge.
According to the UK Foreign Office (FCO): “All ferry crossings between Hong Kong and mainland China, and Hong Kong and Macao will also cease.
“There has also been a significant reduction in flights between mainland China and Hong Kong, though some flights are still operating.”
For international travellers, there are significantly fewer flights in and out of Hong Kong, with visitors advised that there will be increased health screenings, including temperature checks, at border control.
Those who are suspected of being infected with coronavirus will have to undergo quarantine – and you should check if you qualify for entry before you travel.
Despite this, the FCO has not advised against travel to the region.
It said: “The FCO advise against all but essential travel to the rest of mainland China (not including Hong Kong and Macao).”
The FCO added: “If you’re in China and able to leave, you should do so.”
Meanwhile, the US State Department has issued a level 2 warning for Hong Kong, with visitors advised to “exercise increased caution”.
Its advice for mainland China is level 4 – do not travel.
Be aware there are still ongoing protests in Hong Kong.
Is it safe to travel to Singapore?
Singapore has banned visitors who have been to China in the last 14 days from entry.
The FCO hasn’t advised against visiting Singapore although it has warned that there are special procedures in place.
It said: “There is an ongoing outbreak of coronavirus in China and elsewhere in the region, including Singapore.
“On 31 January, the Singapore Government announced that an extension of measures designed to prevent the spread of the virus will be introduced on 1 February.
“Check your travel plans with your travel provider before departure. ”
The US State Department has not issued any travel warnings for Singapore.
Is it safe to travel to Japan?
There have been confirmed cases of coronavirus in Japan and the country has banned anyone who’s been to China in the last 14 days and anyone who holds a Chinese passport issued in Hubei from entry.
There are “enhanced quarantine procedures at entry points to Japan such as airports and ports” according to the FCO.
It added: “The authorities may carry out extended health checks on arrival including compulsory hospitalisation.
“You should comply with any additional screening measures by the authorities if asked to go through extra checks.”
However, it does not advise against travelling to Japan.
The cruise ship Diamond Princess is also currently in quarantine in Yokohoma, with confirmed cases of coronavirus on board.
The FCO advised: “British nationals requiring urgent consular assistance should contact the British Embassy in Tokyo on +81 3 5211 1100 or via web contact form.”
For the latest advice, Brits should follow the British Embassy in Tokyo on Facebook and Twitter.
The US State Department has not issued any travel warnings for Japan.
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For the latest on coronavirus, follow The Sun’s live blog here.
You can also find travel advice for Thailand here.
If you’re worried, make sure you know some of the warning signs, as well as the symptoms of the virus.