Updated on 6 March 2020
The Situation:
As of Friday, 6 March, there are over 100,300 confirmed COVID-19 cases worldwide. These numbers include 3,408 deaths and 55,694 recoveries. Twenty-six countries have reported their first cases since Monday, 2 March, while numbers of cases and deaths continue to change rapidly.
Europe saw a large increase in the number of new cases across several countries: Belgium more than doubled its cases in 24 hours, Germany is over 530 after reporting 130 new cases, France reported 150 new cases as well as 2 new deaths. Russia announced six new cases all with links to recent travel to Italy. Netherlands also reported its first death.
Italy
The Italian government-imposed quarantines on 11 communes in the northern region in an effort to stem the spread. Public gatherings were also banned. Numbers of infected have reached over 3,800 with 148 deaths reported.
South Korea
South Korea saw a jump in cases during the week and while the majority of cases still have links to a church in Daegu, health authorities are concerned about the rate of community spread now being seen. Daegu and Cheongdo are “special care zones”
Majority of South Korea’s cases are in Daegu and centered around members of the same church
City of Gyeongsan (just east of Daegu) declared third “special care zone” Thursday with 282 total cases, the majority of which are linked to the church in Daegu.
Iran
Prayers were affected as some 60,000 mosques were closed in efforts to control spread as 1,234 new cases were reported on Friday. Currently the number of confirmed cases stands at 4,747 with 124 deaths.
Japan
Concerns over testing requirements in Japan as experts speculate that the actual cases total in the country is much higher. Only 8,111 tests have been conducted as of 4 March even though officials claim capabilities to test 3,800 a day. Japan totals 381 cases and 6 deaths.
Other significant factors for consideration:
Experts estimated the actual number of cases could be much higher than what is being officially recorded and reported. If that is true, the mortality rate could be much lower.
Men were also disproportionately affected during MERS and SARS outbreaks.
Women, in general, have a stronger immune response than men.
China accounts for nearly a third of the world’s smokers with more than half of the men smoking compared to just over 2% of China’s women smoking.
Cases in the US
Numbers are changing very quickly as testing is underway in at least 22 state. New York state just confirmed at least 33 cases in the past hour.
A cruise ship off the coast of California is awaiting testing results after a confirmed case off the ship died last week.
California and Washington state account for 141 cases and 14 deaths (one in California, the rest in Washington).
Travel Effects:
Many countries have urged citizens to reconsider travel or avoid nonessential travel to China and avoid all travel to Hubei.
Airlines around the world suspended services to all or some of China
Several countries banned foreigners who recently traveled to China and/or are Chinese passport holders and increased health screening measure at ports of entry
Chinese nationals restricted from booking international flights out of the country
The Chinese government ordered 65 million people in Hubei Province to remain at home in an effort to contain Covid-19, allowing one family member out every three days for food and essentials and in cases of an emergencies. The use of private cars has been banned indefinitely.
Specialized quarantines based on needs per country.
Current CDC Travel Alerts for Covid-19:
Level 3 – Avoid all nonessential travel
Level 2 – Practice Enhanced Precautions
Level 1 – Practice usual precautions
Other Destinations with Apparent Community Spread:
Community spread means people have been infected with the virus, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected. At this time, the extent of virus spread is not sustained or widespread enough to meet the criteria for a travel notice.
Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand
Symptoms to Watch Out For: Officials say the respiratory disease, is capable of spreading through human-to-human contact, droplets carried through sneezing and coughing, and germs left on inanimate objects. The virus might spread during the incubation period – which is believed to be from 1 to 14 days. Be on the lookout for the following symptoms:
High fever
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Cough and/or sore throat
Muscle Aches in some cases also being reported
Pneumonia (secondary infection)
Mitigating Measures to Apply:
Monitor local authorities for updates
Avoid travel to or through China (including layovers) and specifically through Wuhan and Hubei province
Avoid non-essential travel to areas where the infection is known or spreading rapidly
Travelers who return from infected areas should self-quarantine
Consider work from home arrangements for employees in locations where the virus is spreading or if employees must transit through those areas
Employees who feel ill or who have flu-like, respiratory or other symptoms should consider self-quarantine and or stay at home instead of attending office or other functions
Weigh the risks of conducting large scale gatherings where the virus is located and the potential for attendees to transit through higher risk areas
Avoid contact with animals (alive or dead), animal markets, and products that come from animals (such as uncooked meat)
Wash hands frequently with soap and water; use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water isn’t available
Older travelers and those with underlying health issues may be at higher risk and should speak to their healthcare provider before travel
Avoid exposure to those presenting the above symptoms
Avoid populated areas and gatherings if you feel ill (if at all possible)
Allow extra time for temperature screening at airports worldwide
Enroll in a Safe Traveler Program to receive warnings from your preferred embassy
Seek medical care immediately if you experience symptoms and have recently traveled to the infected areas; notify your healthcare provider of your recent travel
Confirm travel schedule is not impacted by the coronavirus (including quarantines, which may be individually-imposed, visit/visa restrictions etc.)
Ensure the validity of all visas prior to travel as this could be subject to restrictions and changes
DISCLAIMER and Hold Harmless
Disclaimer: LSDS™ gathers information from multiple sources and offers insight and perspective to travelers. Sources cannot be validated for accuracy in every instance. Travelers assume all risk associated with their travel and are responsible for the decisions associated with travel and for their own safety. Users of this reference document agree, to hold harmless LSDS™ (LLC) its employees and clients associated with any risk or injury incurred during travel.
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