Advice for Travel During Coronavirus Outbreak

Countries, territories or areas with reported confirmed cases of COVID-19, 11 March 2020. Source: WHO

Aiming to reduce the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), which has now been labeled a pandemic, Greece’s National Public Health Organization (EODY) has released advise for those preparing to travel.

As underlined by EODY, infection caused by the coronavirus can manifest with fever, cough, and shortness of breath, sore throat and in serious cases with pneumonia.

Confirmed cases have been reported worldwide, in Asia, the Middle East, Europe as well as in the United States of America, Canada and Australia.

“The risk for travellers is considered high. It is recommended that travellers avoid nonessential travel to areas with local transmission of COVID-19. There is no vaccine against this novel corona virus,” EODY says.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), COVID-19 cases have been recorded in 114 countries. The COVID-19 virus infects people of all ages. However, evidence to date suggests that the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions are at a higher risk of getting severe COVID-19 disease. WHO emphasizes that all must protect themselves from COVID-19 in order to protect others.

In Greece the number of coronavirus infections rose to 117, while on early Thursday the country had its first death.

Advice for travellers

If you are travelling to areas with local transmission of COVID-19 you should:

– Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or a disinfectant, especially after coughing or sneezing, before handling and consuming food.
– Avoid contact with animals (dead or alive), meat markets and meat products (such as raw meat).
– Avoid visiting live bird and animal markets.
– Avoid contact with patients who appear ill with respiratory symptoms.

During your stay in areas with local transmission of COVID-19 you should:

– Postpone your trip if you have fever and/or respiratory symptoms such as cough or shortness of breath.
– Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or with your elbow (not with your hands) when you cough or sneeze.
– Avoid contact with other people if you have fever and/or respiratory symptoms such as cough or shortness of breath.

After your return from areas with local transmission of COVID-19:

– Watch your health closely for 14 days.
– If you develop fever and/or respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath or cough 14 days after you have returned, it is recommended that you stay indoors and immediately seek medical attention mentioning your recent trip, or contact the National Public Health Organization (1135, 210-5212054).

Greece’s National Public Health Organization (EODY) is responsible for surveillance and control of infectious diseases in Greece. It functions under the supervision of the Health Ministry, and is in close collaboration with the local public health authorities.