MAJORCA has confirmed the first death caused by coronavirus, as cases have also been reported in Menorca and Ibiza.
As the popular Spanish holiday island become an “area of containment” with gatherings banned and schools closed, here is the latest travel advice if you are heading to the Balearic Islands for a holiday.
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There are no travel restrictions to the Balearic Islands due to coronavirus
Is it safe to travel to the Balearic Islands?
There are currently no travel bans in place for the islands, with the UK government deeming them still safe for travel.
They state: “There is an ongoing outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) in China and elsewhere, including Spain.
“You should comply with any additional screening measures put in place by the authorities.”
However, the islands have been deemed a “special area of containment” with large gatherings over 1,000 people are banned and all schools are closed for at least two week including nurseries and universities.
Majorca has confirmed 17 cases of coronavirus, while Menorca has three and Ibiza has one – click here on this interactive map.
Over the whole of Spain, there are now 2,800 cases, with 61 deaths caused as a result of the virus.
The highest number of cases have been reported in the region of Madrid, with over 1,000 people infected.
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Can I cancel my holiday to the Balearic Islands?
All flights are still operating from major airports, so any Brits due to travel to the Balearic Islands are unlikely to get their money back.
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.
We explain everything you need to know if you want to cancel your holiday.
Here is the travel advice if travelling to Tenerife amid the hotel quarantine.
Italy remains the most badly-hit European country due to coronavirus, with the latest travel advice advising against all travel across 10 regions.
We’ve also explained the current travel advice if heading to Thailand.
