CORONAVIRUS cases in Austria are continuing to rise, with more than 100 confirmed reports of the virus.
Here is the latest travel advice for Brits heading to Austria on holiday.
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What is the travel advice for Austria?
The UK government has no current travel warnings for Brits heading to Austria in regard to coronavirus.
The latest advice states: “There is an ongoing outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) in China, but cases have been confirmed in other countries, including Austria. You should comply with any additional screening measures put in place by the authorities.
Last month, 108-room hotel Grand Hotel Europa in the centre of Innsbruck was locked down after a receptionist and her partner were diagnosed with the virus after visiting Italy.
Another 12 people who came into contact with the woman were also quarantined.
Austria Interior Minister Karl Nehammer said there was “no reason to panic,” adding last night that they locked down the hotel so that “if other infected people are staying in the hotel, the virus won’t be spread.”
Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz added that they could take “more aggressive steps” to prevent the spread, similar to the lock down of northern Italy.
Brits will not need to self-quarantine if they return to the UK from Austria.
The current health advice regarding the spread of coronavirus advises people to cough and sneeze into a tissue or sleeve, before washing it or disposing of it.
It is also advised not to touch eyes, nose or mouth with dirty hands.
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Can I cancel my holiday to Austria?
If you are flying to Austria in the next few days, then your flights will remain unaffected.
However, you are advised to keep up to date with the latest travel advice as it is likely to change at short notice.
Concerned passengers can contact their airline to find out whether they can change their flights if concerned, but they are unlikely to offer refunds or free changes.
The only time that tour operators are required to give a refund on holiday packages is if the Foreign Office changes its travel advice for a region and turns it into a no-go area, which they have not done in this case.
Independent hotels are not even required to refund money in this instance, so if you have paid in advance and choose not to turn up then you will lose your money.
If the hotel is a large chain, it could be worth asking to change your stay to another location or delay your trip but they are under no obligation to grant this.
Holidaymakers are advised to check with their travel insurance providers to see if there is something they can do, but that is also unlikely.
Officials have advised not cancelling your holiday abroad – if you are concerned about your trip, then we explain how you can cancel it.
Here is the latest travel advice for Brits heading to Thailand, regarding flights and whether it is safe to visit.
We’ve also rounded up the holiday destinations which have no reported cases of coronavirus.
