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Coronavirus: News, Updates, FAQS, and Travel information

Stay up to date with coronavirus travel news. Information about COVID-19 and going abroad in the pandemic.

The spread of coronavirus has rapidly resulted in a number of changes around the world in 2020, especially in travel restrictions, and information about the pandemic can often be conflicting and confusing.

Below you can find a complete guide to the COVID-19 situation that covers all the need-to-know information, as well as the latest news, updates, and FAQS to help you clear up any lingering questions.

What Is Coronavirus COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a coronavirus, a type of virus common in both humans and many species of animal, which causes flu-like symptoms.

Coronaviruses are not usually transmitted from animals to people, but COVID-19 is a disease that has not previously been identified in humans. However, it is similar to the SARS outbreak of 2002 in that it is a coronavirus that causes contagious respiratory disease.

The first cases of COVID-19 were recorded in Wuhan, China, before it began to spread to countries around the world, and the situation was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11th, 2020. To date, over 8 million infections have been reported worldwide.

It has been established that most people infected with the coronavirus will overcome it without any serious symptoms, and need only self-isolate at home until they are not at risk of spreading COVID-19.

However, certain at-risk groups such as the eledery and those with underlying health conditions are more vulnerable to the disease, and should be wary of exposure.

Coronavirus COVID-19 Symptoms

Coronavirus symptoms tend to develop between 2-14 days after infection, but in some cases the symptoms may be mild or non-existent.

Some noticeable COVID-19 symptoms include:

  • Shortness of breath or breathing difficulties
  • Cough or sore throat
  • Headache
  • Fever or chills
  • Runny nose
  • Fatigue and muscle or body aches
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrea.

However, as some of these are similar to the common signs of the seasonal flu, displaying symptoms of coronavirus does not mean that you have COVID-19.

Nevertheless, if you experience any of the following emergency warning signs for COVID-19, you should seek medical care:

  • Severe breathing difficulties
  • Difficulty staying awake or waking up
  • Bluish lips or face
  • Persistent chest pain

How is Coronavirus Spread?

Coronavirus spread occurs through airborne respiratory droplets, which can be transmitted from person to person by being in close contact with an infected person, although the most common means of spread is by coughing or sneezing.

Covid-19 spread can also occur through sexual intercourse, as respiratory droplets can also be spread through contact with another person’s saliva through kissing or sexual activities.

Coronavirus transmission is also possible through contaminated surfaces, as COVID-19 can live on a surface for some time after an infected person has touched it. If you then touch your face or mouth after exposure without washing your hands, you could catch the virus as well.

How to Prevent the Spread of Coronavirus

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) recommended the following coronavirus prevention methods to limit the spread of COVID-19:

  • Frequently clean hands with either soap and water or sanitizing gel that contains at least 60% alcohol, for at least 20 seconds or a hand
  • Disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects on a daily basis.

To prevent COVID-19 infection when interacting with others, the CDC also recommends:

  • Wearing face masks in public spaces and when around people from outside of your household
  • Limiting interactions with others outside of your household as much as possible, and avoiding close contact with those who are sick
  • Maintaining social distancing measures
  • Covering any coughs and sneezes.

Those who do experience symptoms of COVID-19 are also advised to get in touch with their healthcare provider within 24 hours to further prevent coronavirus spread.

Coronavirus Map

Find out about the different coronavirus travel restrictions around the world using the map below.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Covid-19 FAQS

  • How Can I Test for Coronavirus?

    The US CDC recommends a coronavirus test called a nasopharyngeal swab for COVID-19, which can be arranged by contacting your health care provider.

  • How Long Does It Take to Get COVID-19 Test Results?

    How long it takes to get COVID-19 test results depends on the type of test used. It may only take up to 24 hours for a lab to process a test, but you may not receive the results for a few days.

  • How Can I Avoid Coronavirus?

    The best way to avoid the spread of coronavirus is to wear a mask in public settings, frequently wash hands, and maintain a safe distance from others.

  • What Does COVID-19 Stand for?

    COVID stands for ‘corona’, ‘virus,’ and ‘disease’. As it was first reported in 2019, it was previously referred to as the “2019 novel coronavirus”

  • Where Did Coronavirus Come from?

    Some of the earliest cases of COVID-19 can be traced to December 2019 and were linked to a wholesale food market in Wuhan, China.

  • What Are the Symptoms of the Coronavirus?

    Some of the COVID-19 symptoms include a cough or sore throat, fever, or breathing difficulties in the most severe cases.

  • How Is COVID-19 transmitted?

    The main cause of COVID-19 transmission is through respiratory drops which can spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes in front of others in close contact.

  • Can I Travel During Coronavirus?

    Travel is allowed to many countries, although a number of governments have imposed restrictions on who can enter. Authorities advise caution when traveling abroad and passengers should comply with sanitary practices like wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing, and regularly washing or disinfecting hands. Individuals with underlying health conditions that put them at risk are advised against unnecessary travel.

  • What Are the Coronavirus Travel Bans and Restrictions?

    Each country around the world has set its own travel bans and restrictions to contain the spread of coronavirus. Travelers are advised to check the visa policy of their destination to learn about local restrictions.

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Latest COVID-19 News

  • EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC) On Track for Summer

    The EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC) is now being issued by several European countries a month ahead of schedule. The electronic platform is set for an official launch on July 1, 2021. However, the EU Gateway — the technical system that verifies the certificates — is ready and went live on June 1. Already 9 EU

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    The European Union (EU) has announced that it plans to introduce a document referred to as a “Green Certificate” to allow safe travel between member states during the COVID-19 pandemic. The EU Green Certificate will show information about any coronavirus vaccinations or tests the individual has received. Travelers can then use the certificate as proof

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    The International Air Transport Association has developed a new mobile application, the IATA Travel Pass app, in order to provide governments across the globe with accurate data about the COVID-19 health status of arriving passengers and allow for coronavirus travel requirements to be more easily met. This complete guide to the IATA Travel Pass mobile application

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    Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has reached an agreement with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu to implement a “green passport” to facilitate travel between Greece and Israel for those who have been vaccinated. The Greece/Israel “green passport” deal was signed on February 8th during a visit by Mitsotakis to Jerusalem, with Netanyahu confirming that those with

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  • Holiday Travel Restrictions for Christmas 2020

    As Christmas fast approaches, many countries around the world continue to limit travel both within their territory and across their borders as they endure the second wave of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. People planning to return home for the holidays should be aware of the travel restrictions for Christmas and New Year and plan their

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  • Countries That Require a COVID-19 Test Certificate

    As international travel begins to resume once again following coronavirus pandemic restrictions, many countries around the world continue to seek to contain the spread of COVID-19 by maintaining safety protocols for arriving foreign nationals. A number of destinations worldwide now require travelers to either have a negative COVID-19 test certificate or undergo a health care

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