American, United and Delta Suspend All U.S. China Flights
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Three of the largest U.S. airlines have announced they will suspend all flights to and from China amid coronavirus fears.
UPDATE: Customers encouraged to check travel restrictions before heading to airport following new government requirements https://t.co/94Wx2O1L69
— Delta News Hub (@DeltaNewsHub) February 2, 2020
According to Reuters, Delta, United and American announced the news on Friday shortly after the State Department issued an elevated travel advisory due to the virus, which originated in Wuhan, China.
Other airlines around the world have also announced they are suspending some of their routes, including British Airways, Air Seoul, Cathay Pacific, Korean Air, and Air Canada.
#China : Level 4- Do not travel due to the novel #coronavirus first identified in Wuhan. On 1/30 the WHO determined outbreak constitutes Public Health Emergency of Intl Concern (PHEIC). Most commercial air carriers reduced /suspended routes to/from China. https://t.co/ybkBghuJeW pic.twitter.com/7xHdnkQUth
— Travel – State Dept (@TravelGov) February 2, 2020
The State Department issued a ‘Level 4: Do Not Travel’ warning for China on February 2.
“Do not travel to China due to the novel coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, China,” the State Department statement reads. “On January 30, the World Health Organization (WHO) determined the rapidly spreading outbreak constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Travelers should be prepared for the possibility of travel restrictions with little or no advance notice. Most commercial air carriers have reduced or suspended routes to and from China.”
“We strongly urge U.S. citizens remaining in China to stay home as much as possible and limit contact with others, including large gatherings. Consider stocking up on food and other supplies to limit movement outside the home,” the State Department urged U.S. citizens in China. “In the event that the situation deteriorates further, the ability of the U.S. Embassy and Consulates to provide assistance to U.S. nationals within China may be limited.”
According to ABC News, “several countries outside of China, including the United States, have reported instances of human-to-human transmission of the virus. For now, the World Health Organization believes that the disease’s incubation period is between two and 14 days, a wide range.”
