CORONAVIRUS has killed over 2,100 around the world, with 75,000 reported cases in nearly 30 countries.
With Thailand reporting 35 cases, what is the latest travel advice for the country?
Read our coronavirus live blog for all the latest news and updates
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Unlike China, there are currently no travel bans in place for Thailand.
However, the country’s proximity to China and its popularity as a tourist destination for Chinese visitors means it’s seen as a high risk destination by some.
Thailand was the first country to confirm a coronavirus case on January 12, and the country’s health minister Anutin Charnvirakul previously admitted the country “is not able to stop the spread” of the virus because there are so many Chinese travellers there.
What’s the latest travel advice for Thailand?
The UK government has warned: “There is an ongoing outbreak of coronavirus.
“The virus originated in Wuhan City, Hubei Province but cases have been confirmed in other parts of China and the region, including Thailand.
“You should comply with any additional screening measures put in place by the local authorities.”
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The US State Department has not issued new warnings for Americans travelling to the country and there are no current warnings regarding coronavirus from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
However, US citizens in the country should follow the latest advice issued by the CDC as well as from the World Health Organisation.
Is travel to Thailand affected?
Travel continues to remain uninterrupted in Thailand with flights and public transport running.
Tourism Thailand has insisted that the country is still open and welcomes tourists, although popular resorts at destinations such as Phuket have been deserted.
However, airports including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Krabi will be thermal screening for signs of the disease.
All tourists will also be given health advice on arrival.
The Thai health minister attracted anger after suggesting tourists who don’t wear face masks should be “kicked out” of the country.
Airlines flying to Thailand, including its national carrier Thai Airways, have stepped up hygiene procedures.
Thailand has also issued its own set of advice for the public.
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What are the symptoms of coronavirus?
Symptoms are similar to a common cold.
They include:
- a runny nose
- headache
- cough
- fever
- shortness of breath
- chills
- body aches
In most cases, you won’t know whether you have a coronavirus or a different cold-causing virus, such as rhinovirus.
But if a coronavirus infection spreads to the lower respiratory tract (your windpipe and your lungs), it can cause pneumonia, especially in older people, people with heart disease or people with weakened immune systems.
Different travel advice has also been issued to other countries near China.
A leading airline doctor has said that face masks and gloves on flights actually makes the coronavirus situation worse.
Some have suggested using a plastic tent on planes to avoid catching the disease.
