France: Air France extends flight restrictions to and from Shanghai and Beijing until March 15 /update 3

Event

Air France announced that it will suspend all flight operations to and from Shanghai and Beijing until Sunday, March 15, amid the ongoing coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak. Flights are expected to progressively resume on March 15, while normal operations are expected by Sunday, March 29. Flights to and from Wuhan (Hubei province) initially suspended until February 29, will remain suspended until at least March 29.

To date, six cases of the virus have been confirmed in France.

Further spread of the virus is to be expected over the near term.

Context

The first case of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in 25 countries and territories worldwide. Virus screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On January 30, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the ongoing (2019-nCoV) outbreak is a "public health emergency of international concern."

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Potentially impacted travelers are advised to monitor the situation, confirm travel itineraries, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments. Individuals are advised to take precautionary measures to reduce their risk of contracting the virus:

• Avoid all contact with animals (dead or alive); avoid eating animal products that are undercooked; avoid all markets where animals are sold  
• Avoid all close contact with people displaying symptoms of the disease (e.g. difficulties breathing)  
• Frequently wash hands, wear a face mask
• Individuals within China developing symptoms of pneumonia are advised to seek medical attention, avoid contact with other people, and wash hands regularly
• Adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments
• Travelers returning from China developing symptoms of pneumonia are advised to call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to avoid spread of the disease.