Dear All,
This is from our blog post of Thursday 14th May:
On 11th of May the UK Foreign Commonwealth Office posted the following information about arrivals in China. It is just something to be aware of before you arrive.'The Chinese government continues to place great emphasis on screening and surveillance, rapid detection, quarantine and treatment. Stringent measures, particularly in Shanghai, are affecting flights into China from the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Germany, Israel, Austria, Poland, Switzerland, Spain, Mexico and the UK. If any passenger has flu-like symptoms this may lead to all passengers being quarantined for up to seven days until health officials are satisfied they are free of the H1N1 virus. Otherwise, any passenger having come into direct/indirect contact with H1N1 carriers may also be quarantined. Any British national affected should report the details to the Embassy's Consular Section on (010) 8529 6600. Given a confirmed case in China, and that the sufferer was not detected on arrival at Beijing, we understand it is likely that more stringent measures, similar to those currently in place at Shanghai, may be introduced at Beijing airport. Additionally there are recent unconfirmed reports that holders of Chinese visas who have visited countries affected by H1N1 (specifically Mexico, USA, Spain and Canada) since 20 April 2009, may be refused entry into China: other reports, again unconfirmed, are that applications for Chinese visas from those four countries are likely to be refused. Until this report has been officially confirmed prospective travellers are advised to seek clarification from their local Chinese Embassy.'
All Overseas Travellers
Imaginative Traveller continues to monitor the situation with the development of Swine Flu throughout the world. Something that medical authorities are advising everyone to do is to regularly clean hands through the use of antiseptic gel or with soap and water. Antiseptic gel is not always readily available in all the countries where our tours are running so it is advisable to pack some in your luggage. The World Health Organisation is not recommending travel restrictions related to the outbreak of the influenza virus. If recommendations on travel change at any time Imaginative Traveller would provide advice on this to our guests.
Regards
Kelly
Further update on Swine Flu
H1N1 Virus - Swine Flu advice for our travellers
Some of our travellers have been contacting us with enquiries about how the swine flu virus is affecting travel. In response to this, we have compiled brief information below.
Preventative Measures being taken by countries
In many international airports thermal scanning is being undertaken to ascertain if people have a temperature of above 38 degrees celsius. If a fever is detected or visitors are exhibiting flu like symptoms they may be referred by airport officials for further diagnosis by health authorities. Some countries have put quarantine measures in place for people travelling from affected countries, or in some cases they may ask people to remain in isolation in hotels. These measures are put in place by the local authorities.
The World Health Organisation is not recommending travel restrictions related to the outbreak of the influenza virus. If recommendations on travel change at any time Imaginative Traveller would provide advice on this to our guests.
H1N1 symptoms
There is a vast amount of information on the internet if you would like to read more about the H1N1 virus however all sources indicate that the symptoms are very similar to the regular seasonal influenza. Symptoms can include fever, chills, body aches, headaches, coughing, low energy, runny nose, sore throat and in some cases nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
It is unlikely that you will be exposed to the virus as health authorities around the world have containment practices in place, however, if you suffer from any of these symptoms while you are travelling please advise your tour leader who can assist you with accessing medical advise.
Preventing the spread of the virus
As with the regular influenza, swine flu can be passed between us when a person who is infected sneezes or coughs causing the virus to become air borne. Transmission can also occur if you touch something with flu viruses on it and then touch your mouth, nose or eyes. Medical authorities are encouraging all of us to undertake some straight forward steps in attempts to reduce the spread of this virus:
• If you sneeze, keep a disposable tissue in front of your mouth
• After sneezing or blowing your nose throw the tissue away
• Wash your hands often, especially after blowing your nose/sneezing and before you eat.
• Use a disinfectant hand gel when possible or just use soap and water. Disinfectant gel is not always readily available in all the countries where our tours are running so it is advisable to pack some in your luggage.
As with all health matters we advise you to seek advice from your doctor before you undertake any travel.
Imaginative Traveller continues to monitor the situation with the development of the H1N1 virus throughout the world and we will update this information if anything new comes to hand. If you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.