I am traveling out of the country soon and I am concerned about the Coronavirus affecting my plans. Do you have any suggestions?
Trip Insurance:
According to
insuremytrip.com
"Coronavirus became a known risk on January 21, 2020 and, as such, any claim arising from Coronavirus may not be covered if the policy was purchased or the trip was arranged on or after January 21, 2020". If you purchased a Cancel for Any Reason policy, you could be covered for a percentage of the loss. Generally, fear of travel is not a covered event under most policies and some plans may exclude epidemics/pandemics and may not provide coverage for related issues.
If you are planning on taking a cruise please be aware that this is a dynamic situation and you may be impacted by travel restrictions affecting the itinerary, your ability to disembark, and you may be subject to quarantine procedures implemented by the local authorities.
Below are miscellaneous tips:
The reason to stock up on certain products now isn't so much to avoid potential shortages in the event of an outbreak but to practice what experts call “social distancing”. One will want to avoid crowds to minimize the risk of catching the disease. If COVID-19 is spreading in your community, the last place you want to be is in line at a crowded grocery store or drugstore. Also worth pre-buying: , cold medications, acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Many medications including prescriptions are made in China and India and as the virus spreads there will be a shortage of some of these medications locally.
Purchase nonperishable foods to carry you through for a couple of weeks. Stock up on Gatorade, and Pedialyte for kids, (and maybe some chicken soup) because if you do get sick, you will want to be ready to ride it out at home if suitable. So far, 80% of COVID-19 cases have been mild (think cold or flu symptoms.)
We know from other coronaviruses that most household cleansers — such as bleach wipes or alcohol — will kill them.
The science on whether it's helpful to wear a face mask out in public is mixed. Some infectious disease experts are reluctant to recommend that people wear masks as a preventive measure because they can provide a false sense of security. Experts agree that wearing a mask is a good idea if you are sick, as this will reduce the chances that you will infect others.
Whatever you decide to do, stay safe!!!
Until next time Dr. G