Summer travel and coronavirus

It's probably too early to tell.

I'm still planning my trip to Australia in August.

It is too early to know.

Look at Seattle: through genetic testing they determined that it has been circulating in that area unchecked for about 6 weeks. During that time it got into one senior's living building where it has swept through resulting in 10 deaths now in Washington state, most in that care home. Now a group of firefighters who went in to assist are now quarantined, with some now showing symptoms.
Today one King County official asked community groups to cancel any event with over 100 attendees, and later in the afternoon the state governor said he may officially ban all large gatherings.

I had plans to go down in 2 weeks for a weekend to see 5th Ave's soon to open Sister Act, as well as She Loves Me at Village. Those could get cancelled.

Even if they don't get cancelled, if I go down to Seattle right now, I risk either not being let back across the border, or being forced to go into a 14 day quarantine upon my return. Vancouver & BC currently has only 12 cases - all individuals who recently arrived from either Iran or China and are in quarantine.

So if the NY area contains all cases from overseas travelers and there is no community spread, everything should be fine. But if like Seattle, unchecked community spread begins - then things could be bad.

If your travel involves airfare, I would make certain to purchase travel insurance. Also for any hotel reservations, I would not make any non-refundable reservations.

Updated On: 3/11/20 at 03:43 AM

Airlines are starting to comment about how bookings are already down. Both Southwest and United have issued statements about it.

Make sure to read the fine print on any insurance policy as a lot of them exclude epidemics. You want to find one that's Cancel Anytime. Those may have to be purchased from the insurer directly rather than through the airline. You can also try to book a refundable fare.

I was supposed to go to Seattle next week and that trip has been cancelled. I'm also going to a conference in Chicago the following week and the attendees from Seattle have been pulling out. I've always traveled with hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes but certainly a good plan for anyone who doesn't. I know there is mixed feedback on this but I always keep my individual air vent on as well and I rarely get sick.

If you're buying show tickets in advance, I think insurance is a good idea but it would also be great if shows were a bit more lenient in allowing people to make changes.