Coronavirus has the world in its grip as the virus has surpassed the Chinese borders, where it was discovered, and now been confirmed in 35 countries worldwide. As the number of infected rockets, British travellers have admitted they would consider cancelling their planned travel in a bid to avoid coming into contact with the sick.
The experts suggest that should the virus persist, other sectors such as retail and leisure could be impacted.
The report states: “There could be a near three-fold increase in the number of consumers that avoid shopping destinations (six percent currently avoid shopping destinations to protect themselves from the virus, compared to 16 percent who would consider it if the virus persists), while those who avoid restaurants and entertainment such as the cinema could almost double.”
On the other hand, this could have a positive impact for domestic holidays within the UK, trickling down into retail boosts.
Retail Economics chief executive Richard Lim notes that: “If the virus persists, consumers are likely to cut back in three main areas: holidays and travel, eating out, and using public transport.
“Consumers will shift this spending elsewhere as they substitute what they would have spent abroad to other areas of the economy.”
The disease began in Wuhan, China, but rapidly spread beyond Asia to the rest of the world.
In a bid to slow the spread many airlines have stopped travelling to China, and reduced flights to nearby infected region Hong Kong.
Despite this, the disease has made its way into Europe, with Italy the latest country to see a sudden surge in virus suffers.
There are currently over 200 confirmed cases in Italy, with five deaths, all of which have occurred since last Friday.
Certain municipalities in Italy have now gone into lockdown, but there is no knowing what the future holds.
Surprisingly, though, the world health organisation urge travellers to push ahead with their plans.
They say washing your hands and carrying hand sanitiser is enough.
The health organisation also suggest that medical masks are not preventative for non-sufferers.
Appearing on a Coronavirus update video, Dr Carmen Dolea, Head, IHR Secretariat at the World Health Organisation said: “The masks are very effective for protecting people that are sick, for preventing them to transmit the virus onward. For people that are not sick masks are not very effective.
“It is almost important to ensure that you are using the masks properly and make sure not to touch the exterior of the mask even if you are not sick.
“The masks are also important for people that are caring for sick people.
“It will be important that people who most need the masks have access.”
She adds: “If you have to travel you have to go to the airport.”
