The Government of Canada is warning residents to avoid all non-essential travel to China in a recent travel advisory due to an outbreak of novel coronavirus.
A number of airlines have suspended or reduced flights in and out of the country, Chinese authorities have imposed travel restrictions in parts of the country and further restrictions may be imposed on short notice. As a result, it may be increasingly difficult to travel within China, or to exit the country.
Non-essential travel means that there "are specific safety and security concerns that could put you at risk." As a result, travellers should reconsider whether the degree of risk is necessary.
The advisory warns that, "You may be quarantined based on your health condition, previous location or contact with others."
Prospective travellers should consider the following:
- Read the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Notice (THN) on the novel coronavirus in China.
- Follow the instructions of local authorities.
- Monitor the news for the latest developments on the evolving situation.
- Expect increased health measures throughout the country, including at points of entry and transportation hubs.
- Contact your accommodations and transportation providers or tour operator to determine if the situation will disrupt your travel plans.
- If you’re leaving China, check your destination’s entry and exit requirements and restrictions specific to the current situation with the nearest foreign diplomatic mission or consulate.
Canadians are also being warned to avoid all travel to China's Hubei province, including the cities of Wuhan, Huanggang and Ezhou, due to the imposition of heavy travel restrictions in order to limit the spread of a novel coronavirus.
"There is an extreme risk to your personal safety and security. You should not travel to this country, territory or region,” the warning states. “If you are already in the country, territory or region, you should consider leaving if it is safe to do so."
Earlier this week, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry confirmed B.C.'s first novel coronavirus case — a man in his 40s who lives in the Vancouver Coastal Health region and recently returned from a trip to Wuhan, China.
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