The outbreak of 2019-nCoV or new coronavirus, and the data of infected and deceased are increasing by moments. Although the vast majority of infected are in mainland China, the virus has spread to other areas of the planet. His arrival in Italy – causing so far 322 infected and ten deaths – has increased the concern of Europeans.
The recent WHO statement alerting the population to prepare for an ‘eventual pandemic’ has caused doubts and fears among the population, which only the scientific community can resolve.
In the face of panic, it is important to go to reliable sources of information and maintain the correct prevention measures, without falling into alarmism.
But what if I have to go to Italy on a trip? Am I in danger of contagion? Can I travel freely in Italy? What security measures should I carry out? Here is some useful information for those travelers who plan to travel soon to an area affected by 2019-nCoV, such as Italy.
What areas remain isolated?
As stated on the website of the Spanish Consulate in Milan, the Italian authorities have decided, as a preventive measure, to isolate a series of municipalities in the Lombardy and Veneto regions. Specifically: Codogno, Casapusterlengo, Castiglione d´Adda, Maleo, Fombio, Bertonico, Castelgerundo, Somaglia, San Fiorano, Terranova dei Passerini and Vo Euganeo.
In these municipalities, both public demonstrations and sports activities have been suspended; commercial activities have been closed, except those of first necessity, and also business activity; even teaching activities have been suspended for the week of February 24 in some regions, such as Lombardy, Veneto and Emilia-Romagna.
All this means that, temporarily, you will not be able to access any of these areas via public transport.
Will my flight be canceled?
The Italian and Spanish authorities have not prohibited travel to northern Italy; Of course, they recommend not doing it unless it is strictly necessary .
But not since it is a recommendation, and not an imposition, for now, according to the Consulate, flights from Spain to Italy and from Italy to Spain have not been suspended, and you can circulate freely throughout the Italian territory except in the 11 populations indicated above.
Of course: since February 1, the Italian authorities have suspended all direct flights to China and fever checks are carried out at airports on travelers arriving from abroad.
Who to call in an emergency?
The number activated by the Italian authorities is this:
1500
This is a telephone activated by the Italian Ministry of Health for those people, of any nationality, who have a fever, cough or breathing difficulties and have recently traveled to China; or if you have been in close contact with a person who has returned from China and suffers from a respiratory illness.
Should I travel if I am over 65?
The Spanish and Italian health authorities recommend consulting your GP before going on a trip.
Should I travel if I have a respiratory illness?
Like the elderly, people with severe respiratory disease are a population at risk; therefore, your doctor should assess your health before leaving for a trip. The professional could recommend avoiding travel if he considers that the health of the traveler could be seriously compromised.
Prevention measures for other travelers
Both the Italian Ministry of Health and the Spanish Consulate advise following the same preventive measures indicated by the WHO . In a statement issued by the Spanish Ministry of Health, it is recommended, in case of traveling to an affected area:
- Avoid direct contact with an affected person, at a distance of less than one meter; and do not share your personal belongings.
- Maintain good personal hygiene, such as frequent hand washing.
- Avoid close contact with live or dead, domestic or wild animals and their secretions or excrement.
- If symptoms such as fever, cough or feeling of shortness of breath appear during the stay in affected areas, contact the local health authorities and follow their recommendations (in Italy, by telephone 1500).
Once in Italy, should I wear a mask?
According to the ER doctor and disseminator of the Diario de un MIR channel Pau Mateo currently works in the Piacenza hospital, only health personnel who deal with those affected, the infected themselves, or the people in their care should wear a mask. On the contrary, its use can even be counterproductive , for two reasons. First, because it creates a sense of false security; and, furthermore, because resources should not be wasted: “Here there are many people with a mask on the street who use it wrong, wear it backwards or do not use the correct mask”; and adds: “I only wear the mask when I enter the hospital.”
