COVID-19 has already impacted the travel industry on a worldwide scale. This is a rapidly evolving situation, but I’m going to try to post daily coronavirus developments and updates (mostly related to travel) here.
Wash your hands often and avoid touching your face!
Read your travel insurance policies carefully
Epidemics/Pandemics are often excluded from travel insurance unless you purchase a rider. The trip insurance on most credit cards also aren’t going to cover this.
Several airlines and hotels are relaxing cancellation policies, but you can’t always rely on travel insurance to cover any other expenses related to coronavirus and its impact.
Airline information for travel between the US and affected areas
You can find information about suspended flights as well as change fee and cancellation waivers. You may also be eligible for a refund on upcoming travel.
March 20, 2020
“Everything we do before a pandemic will seem alarmist. Everything we do after will seem inadequate.”
— Michael Leavitt, Former Secretary of Health and Human Services
Confirmed cases continue to spike in the US
This is to be expected as tests are becoming more widely available. The effects of social distancing aren’t going to be seen immediately.
As of 5pm CST, the US has 18,769 cases and 235 deaths.
This website has lots of stats: https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/
US Department of State Global Level 4 Health Advisory – Do Not Travel
What does this mean?
It means nobody should be traveling internationally right now. If you are currently in another country, you should make plans to immediately return to the US or plan to remain abroad for an indefinite period of time.
You can find more details here.
US-Mexico border closed for non-essential travel
This comes on the heels of the closing of the US-Canada border to non essential travel. This is not surprising given the Level 4 Global Health Advisory. (Source)
New York, California, and Illinois issue stay at home orders
These states are ordering anyone with a nonessential job to remain home. Errands such as grocery shopping are allowed. Outdoor exercise is also permitted provided that social distancing guidelines are followed. (Source)
March 18
Check out this post from my favorite doctor
People are still not taking social distancing seriously
For example, Clearwater Beach has apparently been packed and there are still no plans to close. (Source)
The beach where we are has been pretty empty. Other areas in the 30a area are apparently more packed. I’m currently watching a meeting on TV with Walton County officials and there is talk of closing the other 30a beaches.
The town of Seaside is closing down until April 30. This includes the beach access.
The US and Canada have agreed to close the US-Canada border for non-essential travel.
We do not yet know how long this will last. (Source)
Worldwide cases top 200,000
https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html
March 16, 2020
We had a GREAT ski trip. All three of our kids can ski with us now! It’s life changing. I’ll write more about it soon, but right now there are more important things to discuss.
Wow. It’s been 9 days since I last updated and I can’t believe how much has changed. For starters, the kids and I are now in Florida. Ryan is back in Texas. I’ll explain how we got here, and then I’ll give some COVID-19 updates and thoughts.
Ryan, the kids, and I left New Mexico on Friday, March 13. On our way home, we learned that Jack’s school would be closed for at least 2 more weeks. Working from home is no problem for me, but having the kids home doesn’t exactly make a great work environment. Ryan had to go back to work. Despite most of Ryan’s elective surgeries being postponed due to COVID-19, he still has to be there to help with more urgent cases and care for his patients in the hospital. Make sure you thank and show appreciation to those doctors and healthcare workers who are heading to the frontlines of this battle to help take care of their patients.
My parents live in a beach community along Florida’s 30a stretch. They are healthy and young grandparents. Ryan and I decided that bringing the kids down to my parents’ house would be the safest way to handle the next two weeks.
This way, I have a little help, the kids are super happy, and most importantly, we do not have to worry about any potential exposure due to Ryan’s job. Plus, my mom is a really good cook and my dad is great with his grill.
There are plenty of activities such as tennis, foot golf, fishing, and bike trails that we can safely do and keep the kids entertained. We’ve been able to spend a little time at the beach since it hasn’t been crowded, but I wouldn’t be surprised if that ends soon. They’ve closed beaches in South Florida due to Spring Breakers not heeding the social distancing guidelines.
Here are some photos of how empty our beach is, just in case anyone is thinking we aren’t complying:
Grocery stores are another story. The lines at Publix were wrapped around the store. As in, snaked through aisles to the back of the store. My mom said it doesn’t even get this bad with hurricanes.
I’d like to make it clear that this isn’t exactly a vacation. I realize we’re lucky to be riding this out in a beautiful place, and we are being responsible with social distancing.
This will be the longest Ryan and I have been apart since I’ve known him (over 10 years). I miss him, the kids miss him, and I know he misses us. I worry about his safety but his hospital administration is doing everything possible to minimize the risks.
I’m always one that has a back up plan but with guidelines and recommendations changing by the hour, I’m at a loss. I have no way of making back up plans. Frankly, we’re not even 100% sure we will be reunited in 2 weeks as originally planned.
Social distancing
I’m sure by now everyone is caught up on the latest recommendations. The CDC recommends social distancing to help avoid spreading COVID-19. Last night, they updated their website with the following:
“CDC recommends that for the next 8 weeks, organizers cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the U.S.”
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
My dad’s birthday is tomorrow, St. Patty’s Day. He may not get to celebrate at a pub with green beer, but I think the next best thing is being with his grandkids!
Have travel plans in the next few weeks?
Cancel them if you haven’t already. I feel like I don’t even need to elaborate on this.
Most airlines, hotels, cruise lines, and other travel vendors have revised their cancellation policies.
TMG plans for the near future
I’ll keep the coronavirus updates coming with RELIABLE sources. Social media is great for many things, but should not be used as a source for anything involving your health and well-being.
It feels a little strange to be writing about vacations that we can’t take right now, but this will pass. When it does, we’re all going to be itching for a vacation. I’m going to continue to write about some of the great places on this beautiful planet that you can visit for almost free. I’ll focus on the regions that are most likely to be sought after once this pandemic subsides (think warm climate island countries).
If you’re looking for statistics, this is a great resource
https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/
March 7, 2020
We are on vacation with our kids for spring break. We’re in New Mexico and hopefully safe from the virus, but not letting our guard down. Wash your hands!
We will update sporadically with major developments, and will resume coronavirus coverage when we return.
Check the CDC website if you have travel plans in the near future.
March 6, 2020
21 from current voyage on Grand Princess cruise ship test positive
19 are crew members and 2 are passengers. The ship will now be brought to a non commercial port. Only 46 of the >3500 passengers have been tested so far. (Source)
As of this evening, five passengers from the previous voyage have tested positive. (Source)
For the first time, SXSW is cancelled
The festival was scheduled for March 13-21 in Austin. This event brings together several industries including government, media, sports, music, and film from around the world. Several participants had already pulled out, but SXSW finally announced that the whole event will be cancelled. (Source)
Airlines are already seeing a decline in bookings
Even the Southwest CEO said there has been a significant decrease in bookings. He compared it to post 9/11. (Source)
Positive cases are emerging by the hour in the US, worldwide count is over 100k
Like I said, this is to be expected as testing becomes more widely available.
Worldwide cases (as of 7:00pm CST)
- 101,256 confirmed cases
- 3,456 deaths
- 55,650 recovered
US cases (as of 7:00pm CST)
Total (not including cruise ship and evacuees): 244 cases and 14 deaths
Note that the US is counting positive tests from those repatriated from the Diamond Princess and Wuhan separately. At this time, the repatriated count is at 49.
The Grand Princess count stands at 21. The nationalities are unknown, but since this ship will eventually dock at a US port, I’ll keep the numbers here for now.
Due to lack of widespread testing at this time, I wouldn’t put too much stock in current statistics such as death rate. It’s too early to tell.
- Washington: 79 cases and 13 deaths
- California: 60 cases and 1 death
- New York: 44 cases
- Colorado: 8 cases
- Texas: 8 cases
- Massachusetts: 7 cases
- Illinois: 5 cases
- Florida: 4 cases
- Arizona: 3 cases
- Georgia: 3 cases
- Maryland: 3 cases
- New Jersey: 3 cases
- Oregon: 3 cases
- Nevada: 2 cases
- New Hampshire: 2 cases
- North Carolina: 2 cases
- Pennsylvania: 2 cases
- Rhode Island: 2 cases
- Indiana: 1 case
- Oklahoma: 1 case
- Tennessee: 1 case
- Wisconsin: 1 case
March 5, 2020
American Airlines broadens change fee waivers for newly purchased tickets
American has extended the offer to waive change fees for customers who purchase travel through March 31 (previously it was through the 16th). They’ve also removed the 14 day stipulation. Previously, it stated you must cancel 14 days prior to departure. Under the new terms, you just have to rebook prior to departure.
- Any ticket purchased from March 5 to March 31, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. CT will not incur change fees prior to travel.
- This is available for any of American’s nonrefundable published fares.
(Source)
Seriously, reconsider cruises
The Diamond Princess saga already has a sequel. The Grand Princess is currently off the coast of California after a cruise to Hawaii because it has been banned from docking in any California port for now. The voyage returned earlier than scheduled over coronavirus concerns.
Yesterday, 2 former passengers received positive coronavirus results. Sadly, one of the cases identified yesterday later died. This morning, one more case linked to that voyage was confirmed.
To be clear, the positive passengers were on a roundtrip voyage from San Francisco to Mexico February 11-21. A new voyage with new passengers began shortly thereafter to Hawaii, although a few passengers were on board for both voyages.
35 passengers on the current voyage (Hawaii) are symptomatic and helicopters flew tests to the ship this morning. Authorities are trying to determine the next steps, but no one will be allowed to disembark until test results come in.
There are 2,383 passengers on board and 1,100 crew members.
(Source)
Airlines are starting to cut back on service even areas that are not hotzones
United plans to decrease flights in the United States and Canada by 10% and overseas flights by 20% in April, This includes overseas flights that have already been cancelled. JetBlue will be cutting back by 5%.
(Source)
If you have an upcoming hotel reservation, you may be able to cancel with no penalty
Marriott is waiving cancelation fees for stays in affected areas through March 31.
- Asia Pacific: Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, French Polynesia
- Europe: Italy
You can find more details on Marriott’s website.
Hyatt is waiving cancellation fees for stays through March 31 in affected areas.
- Guests residing in Greater China, South Korea, Japan and Italy with reservations at Hyatt hotels globally.
- Guests with reservations at Hyatt hotels in Greater China, South Korea, Japan and Italy.
See details on Hyatt’s website.
Hilton is waiving cancellation fees on certain stays in certain areas.
To assist guests whose travel may be impacted by the novel coronavirus, Hilton has modification and cancellation waivers in place for the following regions:
- For guests traveling to, through or from China with stays from January 23rd- March 31st.
- For guests traveling to, through or from Italy with stays from February 24th- March 8th.
- For guests traveling to, through or from South Korea with stays from February 24th- March 31st.
- For guests traveling to, through or from Saudi Arabia with stays from February 27th- March 31st.
For more information, see Hilton’s press release.
Cases are being identified at an alarming rate in the US
Like I said yesterday, this is to be expected as more testing is done.
Worldwide cases (as of 3:30pm CST)
- 97,249 confirmed cases
- 3,352 deaths
- 53,446 recovered
US cases (as of 3:30pm CST)
Note that the US is counting positive tests from those repatriated from the Diamond Princess and Wuhan separately. At this time, the repatriated count is at 49.
Some of these are community acquired, which means no travel history or contact with another positive case. Basically, the source of infection in some of these cases is unknown.
Due to lack of widespread testing at this time, I wouldn’t put too much stock in current statistics such as death rate. It’s too early to tell.
Total: 168 cases and 12 deaths. Of the 168, 7 have recovered and 9 are critical at this time.
- Washington: 70 cases and 11 deaths
- California: 42 cases and 1 death
- New York: 25 cases
- Illinois: 5 cases
- Florida: 4 cases
- Oregon: 3 cases
- Texas: 3 case
- Arizona: 2 cases
- Georgia: 2 cases
- Massachusetts: 2 cases
- New Hampshire: 2 cases
- New Jersey: 2 cases
- Rhode Island: 2 cases
- Nevada: 1 case
- North Carolina: 1 case
- Tennessee: 1 case
- Wisconsin: 1 case
March 4, 2020
United joins Delta and American Airlines in waiving change fees on qualifying newly booked tickets
The last of the US big three carriers is waiving change fees for new bookings. If you book a ticket between now and March 31, 2020, future change fees are waived for 12 months from the ticket issue date. Note that change fees are waived but customers must pay applicable fare differences. (Source)
Don’t be this guy
The first case in New Hampshire attended a party on Friday despite being told to self-isolate. There is now a second person in New Hampshire that has being diagnosed with coronavirus and. The second case was a contact of the first. (Source)
This individual is an employee at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. He recently returned from Italy with symptoms. On Friday, he attended an event run by Dartmouth’s business school. (Source)
Maybe it’s time to reconsider if you have cruise plans
At least two new cases have been linked to a cruise ship, the Grand Princess (not to be confused with the Diamond Princess). This cruise departed from San Francisco and visited Mexico. The ship returned from this voyage on February 21 and since returning, at least 2 passengers have tested positive for coronavirus. Both are California residents and one is in critical condition. (Source) Update: the second case has died.
Worldwide cases (as of 4pm CST)
- 95,070 confirmed cases
- 3,253 deaths
- 51,061 recovered
US cases (as of 4pm CST)
Note that the US is counting positive tests from those repatriated from the Diamond Princess and Wuhan separately. At this time, the repatriated count is at 49.
Positive cases in the US are slowly starting to trickle in. This is definitely to be expected, but it’s still unsettling. Some of these are community acquired, which means no travel history or contact with another positive case. Basically, the source of infection in some of these cases is unknown.
Due to lack of widespread testing at this time, I wouldn’t put too much stock in current statistics such as death rate.
Total: 106 cases and 11 deaths. Of the 106, 7 have recovered and 7 are critical at this time.
- Washington: 39 cases and 10 deaths
- California: 33 cases and 1 death
- New York: 11 cases
- Florida: 4 cases
- Illinois: 4 cases
- Oregon: 3 cases
- Rhode Island: 2 cases
- Massachusetts: 2 cases
- Georgia: 2 cases
- Arizona: 2 cases
- New Hampshire: 2 cases
- North Carolina: 1 case
- Wisconsin: 1 case
Countries/areas with restrictions for US citizens (as of March 4, 2020)
Note that layovers are included in CDC recommendations to avoid nonessential travel. Levels are explained in the other coronavirus post.
Asia
Mainland China
- CDC: Level 3 (avoid nonessential travel)
- Department of State: Level 4 (do not travel)
Hong Kong
- CDC: Level 1 (normal precautions)
- Department of State: Level 2 (exercise increased caution)
Macau
- CDC: no alert at this time
- Department of State: Level 2 (exercise increased caution)
Taiwan
- CDC: no alert at this time
- Department of State: Level 1 (exercise normal precautions)
Japan
- CDC: Level 2 (enhanced precautions)
- Department of State: Level 2 (exercise increased caution)
South Korea
- CDC: Level 3 (avoid nonessential travel)
- Department of State: Level 3 and 4
- Daegu is level 4 (do not travel)
- The rest of South Korea is level 3 at this time (reconsider travel)
Europe
Italy
- CDC: Level 3 (avoid nonessential travel)
- Department of State: Level 3 and 4
- Northern Italy (Lombardy and Veneto regions) are level 4 (do not travel)
- The rest of Italy is level 3 at this time (reconsider travel)
Middle East
Iran
- CDC: Level 3 (avoid nonessential travel)
- Department of State: Level 4 (do not travel)
March 3, 2020 coronavirus updates
Worldwide cases (as of 7pm CST)
- 93,080 confirmed cases
- 3,202 deaths
US cases:
Note that the US is counting positive tests from those repatriated from the Diamond Princess and Wuhan separately.
Positive cases in the US are slowly starting to trickle in. This is definitely to be expected, but it’s still unsettling. Some of these are community acquired, which means no travel history or contact with another positive case. Basically, the source of infection in some of these cases is unknown.
Total: 74 cases and 9 deaths. Of the 74, 7 have recovered and 6 are critical at this time.
- Washington: 27 cases and 9 deaths
- California: 23 cases
- Illinois: 4 cases
- Oregon: 3 cases
- Florida: 3 cases
- Rhode Island: 2 cases
- Massachusetts: 2 cases
- Georgia: 2 cases
- Arizona: 2 cases
- New York: 2 cases
- New Hampshire: 2 cases
- North Carolina: 1 case
- Wisconsin: 1 case
Lackland evacuees from the Diamond Princess are home
Things got a little murky because yesterday, the federal evacuation order expired. It had been 14 days and anyone who had previously tested negative was to be released. But the local government attempted some maneuvers to block this for those who were quarantined at Lackland in San Antonio. Ultimately, a judge denied the motions by the mayor of San Antonio that were made in an attempt to hold the evacuees longer. (Source)
This is the blog of a couple that lives in Dallas. I’ve been following their quarantine ordeal and I’m amazed at their patience and positivity. (Source)
Delta is waiving change fees on certain routes
Delta is waiving change fees for international flights already booked and for any travel that you book prior to March 31. For complete terms and details see Delta’s website. (Source)
March 2, 2020 coronavirus updates
Diamond Princess quarantine still not over for some US passengers
The passengers from the Diamond Princess cruise ship that were quarantined at Lackland in San Antonio were supposed to be released from quarantine today. Between the ship and Lackland, these poor souls have been quarantined for almost a month.
Due to a last minute discussion with Texas government officials, those passengers were not released today. It’s looking like these passengers will be tested again and cannot be released until they are confirmed negative.
The reason for this decision seems to be a positive test from someone recently released from quarantine. This person was a Wuhan evacuee. She had previously tested negative twice. (Source)
American Airlines waives change fees for if you book a flight between March 1 and March 16
If you’re uncertain about travel plans (I know I am!), American Airlines is offering to waive change fees.
American Airlines is waiving change fees for tickets to any destination if the ticket is booked between March 1 and March 16 for travel between now and January 26, 2021. The changes must be made 14 days prior to departure. You can see the terms and conditions here.