CORONAVIRUS continues to spread across the world, with infected cases exceeding 91,000 and more than 3,000 people killed by the virus.
We’ve explained the latest travel advice if you are travelling to Singapore, Hong Kong or Japan.
Read our coronavirus live blog for all the latest news and updates.
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Is it safe to travel to Singapore?
Reported cases of coronavirus in Singapore have hit 108, with no deaths currently caused by the virus.
The UK government has updated the travel advice for Brits heading to Singapore, although does not currently prohibit Brits travelling there.
Brits returning from Singapore within the past 14 days, however, are told to “stay indoors and avoid contact with other people immediately” if displaying symptoms such as a cough or shortness of breath.
They also advise: “On January 31, the Singapore authorities announced an extension of measures designed to prevent the spread of the virus.
“From 1 February 2020, all new visitors with recent travel history to mainland China within the previous 14 days will not be granted permission to enter or transit Singapore.
“From 26th February, all new visitors with a travel history to South Korea’s Cheongdo county and Daegu city in the last 14 days will also not be granted permission to enter or transit Singapore.”
Many countries are banning people who have been to Singapore, including Israel and Jamaica.
The US State Department has not issued any updated travel warnings for the country.
Airlines which are cutting or pausing flights include Singapore Airlines, United Airlines and British Airways.
If you have booked a holiday there, you should contact your airline and travel insurer although they are unlikely to offer cancellations without additional fees.
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Is it safe to travel to Hong Kong?
There have been 100 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Hong Kong, with two people killed by the virus.
The current travel advice from the Foreign Office states: “There is an ongoing outbreak of coronavirus in China and elsewhere in the region, including Hong Kong.
“On 28 January, the Hong Kong SAR Government announced a series of measures designed to prevent the spread of the virus.
“These measures include the suspension or scaling back of flights, trains, ferries and buses between Hong Kong and mainland China, and the closure of most border crossings.
“Expect increased health screening measures, including temperature checks, on entry to and departure from Hong Kong.
“A 14-day mandatory home quarantine period is in place for new arrivals (of any nationality) who have been to mainland China in the previous 14 days.”
Visitors who have been to South Korea within the last 14 days will not be allowed to enter the country.
Even transit passengers will need to be screened with temperature checks, but will only face quarantine if displaying symptoms.
However, the UK government has not banned travel to Hong Kong, while the US State Department has issued a level 2 warning for Hong Kong, with visitors advised to “exercise increased caution”.
If you have booked a holiday there, you should contact your airline and travel insurer although they are unlikely to offer cancellations without additional fees – here is everything you need to know about cancelling your holiday.
KLM, United Airlines, Singapore Airlines and Air Canada have suspended flights to Hong Kong, while BA have halved flights.
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Is it safe to travel to Japan?
Cases of coronavirus in Japan have hit 980, with 706 of those being from the quarantined Diamond Princess cruise ship currently docked near Tokyo.
Brits returning from Japan in the last 14 days who are displaying symptoms such as coughing, high temperatures or shortness of breath should “stay indoors and avoid contact with other people immediately”.
The latest advice from the UK government states: “There is an ongoing outbreak of coronavirus in Japan, including instances of in-country transmission.
“It may cause more severe symptoms in older people, and those with pre-existing medical conditions.
“There are enhanced quarantine procedures at entry points to Japan such as airports and ports. The authorities may carry out extended health checks on arrival including compulsory hospitalisation.
“You should comply with any additional screening measures by the authorities if asked to go through extra checks.”
Tourists who have been to China or South Korea within 14 days will not be allowed to enter the country, while a state of emergency has been declared on the island of Hokkaido, advising people to not go out.
Japan has cancelled many of the iconic cherry blossom festivals, with Tokyo Disneyland closed and fears coronavirus could also see the Tokyo Olympics cancelled.
Last month, cruise ship Diamond Princess was quarantined for two weeks after more than 700 people contracted coronavirus, killing six, although many tourists on board have since been repatriated.
The US State Department has raised the travel warning to level 2, warning to “exercise increased caution” due to coronavirus – and airlines including United, Delta and American Airlines have suspended routes to the country.
We explain everything you need to know if you want to cancel your holiday to Japan.
You can also find travel advice for Thailand here.
If you’re worried, make sure you know some of the warning signs, as well as the symptoms of the virus.
