Travel Alerts

• Thailand Travel Alerts and Warnings

  Thailand Travel Alerts and Warnings

  Get the latest information on natural disasters, civil unrest and how it may affect your travel plans to Thailand.

  Health and safety in Thailand – Februrary 2020

  On 30 January 2020, the WHO delcared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) due to the coronavirus outbreak that originally emerged in Wuhan, China.

  There are 19 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Thailand, and the number of cases spreading around the world are expected to increase.

  If you are traveling Thailand, practice good hygiene, and if you begin to feel the symptoms of coronavirus, keep your distance from other people, cover all coughs and sneezes, and seek medical attention immediately.

  Stay up to date with local news and media to monitor the situation closely, and pay attention to your government’s travel advice. While there are no current warnings in Thailand specifically for coronavirus, staying up to date with the situation will keep you informed if anything changes.

• Coronavirus World Wide

  A Global Public Health Emergency

  Find out how your travel plans may be affected following the World Health Organization’s declaration that the coronavirus is now an official international emergency.

   

  Coronavirus is declared a global public health emergency – 30 January 2020

  Coronavirus first emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December 2019, and has spread across China and now dozens of cases have been confirmed in several countries in the Asia-Pacific region as well as countries in Europe, North America and the Middle East.

  On 30 January 2020, the Emergency Committee convened by the WHO Director-General agreed that the coronavirus outbreak “now meets the criteria for a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)”. A PHEIC has only been declared six times since it was introduced in 2005 following the outbreak of SARS.

  What is a PHEIC?

  The term PHEIC is defined as “an extraordinary event” which is determined by these two regulations:

  • To constitute a public health risk to other States through the international spread of disease; and
  • To potentially require a coordinated international response.

  What should I do if I’m traveling overseas soon?

  If you are traveling overseas soon, stay up to date with local news and media, and always follow the advice of local authorities or your government.

  Be aware of which countries cases of coronavirus are rapidly spreading, and wash your hands consistently, try to maintain your distance from other people, and if you are feeling unwell cover all coughs and sneezes with tissues or your clothing.

  The symptoms of coronavirus are similar to other respiratory diseases, including the flu and the common cold.

  If you have traveled to Wuhan recently

  If you have traveled to Wuhan or suspect you have been in contact with someone who is infected with coronavirus and are experiencing the following symptoms: feeling tired, having difficulty breathing, have a high temperature, cough and/or sore throat, see your doctor to rule out the possibility of coronavirus.

  If you are a World Nomads policy holder, read the latest insurance advice about cut off dates.

• Earthquake in the Caribbean Islands

  7.7 magnitude earthquake in the Caribbean Islands – January 28, 2020

  On Tuesday, 28 January 2020, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck southwest of Niquero in Cuba and northwest of Montego Bay in Jamaica at around 2.10pm (local time).

  The quake had a shallow depth of 6mi (10km). Tremors were felt in Cuba’s eastern city of Santiago, in the Cayman Islands, far western Jamaica, and as far away as Miami in Florida. However, there are no initial reports of major damage or injuries.

  Shortly after the earthquake struck the Caribbean, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center warned of the potential for hazardous tsunami waves as high as 3ft (1m) along the coasts of Belize, Cuba, Honduras, Mexico, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands.

  A tsunami wave of 0.4 of a foot (0.11 of a meter) was officially observed at George Town in the Cayman Islands. Tsunami waves were not observed in Jamaica or the Dominican Republic, and the tsunami danger passed by 4pm local time on Tuesday.

  If you are currently traveling around the Caribbean, here are a few tips on what to do if a tsunami warning is issued and how to stay safe in the event of an earthquake.

  Contact your airline or travel provider if you are concerned about delays or changes to transport and your itinerary.

• Coronavirus

  An outbreak of Coronavirus in the city of Wuhan, Hubei Province – January 2020

  On 31 December 2019, the first case of a new type of Coronavirus emerged in Wuhan, China. It is thought to have been contracted from exposure to animals at a seafood and meat market.

  The number of people infected by the virus is continuing to rise, and the death toll is also expected to increase. Cases have also been reported overseas.

  Multiple cities in China are in lock down to avoid an unprecedented spread of coronavirus. It is unknown how long the lockdown will be in place, so stay up to date with local news and media to be prepared for changes to transport schedules.

  What are the symptoms of Coronavirus?

  The CDC report that the symptoms of Coronavirus contain the following:

  • A runny nose
  • Headache
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Fever
  • A feeling of being unwell.

  If you have any of the symptoms and have recently traveled to Wuhan or an area considered a threat, contact your doctor immediately, and maintain your distance from other people, cover all coughs and sneezes with tissues or your clothing, and wash your hands consistently.

  The WHO met on 22 January 2020 to discuss whether the outbreak constitutes a public health emergency of international concern and, if so, the recommendations for its management.

  If you are a World Nomads policy holder, read the latest insurance advice about cut off dates.

• Taal Volcano, Philippines

  Seismology bureau raised alert level for Taal Volcano – January 2020

  Travelers who have plans to visit the Philippines or are currently in the country need to be aware of potential volcanic activity from Taal volcano, which is located 37mi (60km) south of Manila on the island of Luzon.

  On Sunday, 12 January 2020, the state seismology bureau raised the alert level for Taal volcano to level 4 following the expulsion of steam and ash.

  Stay alert and up to date with local news and media. Find out how to stay safe if the volcano does erupt, and be prepared for potential changes to your travel plans or disruption to transport.

  Listen to The World Nomads Podcast: the

• Earthquake southwestern Puerto Rico

  6.4 Earthquake strikes southwestern Puerto Rico – January 7, 2020

  The quake, which struck at 4:24am, has caused widespread power outages, seriously damaged homes and buildings, and left much of the island without running water. Several aftershocks, ranging between 4.5 and 5.8, have occurred. This follows a 5.8 earthquake on Monday, January 6, that caused the collapse of Punta Ventana, a natural rock archway that was a major tourist attraction.

  Governor Vasquez has declared a state of emergency. The Caribbean is an active seismic zone, and further tremors are possible, as well as the potential for tsunamis. Be prepared for disruptions to travel plans, and contact your travel provider to see if schedules have changed.

  What to do if you’re in an earthquake

  • Move to an open space away from hazards such as powerlines, buildings, trees and bridges
  • Move away from any falling objects, crouch on the ground and cover your head
  • Don’t rush outside though – plenty of earthquake injuries happen when people fall while trying to run
  • If you can’t get outside safely, get under strong furniture or against an internal wall. Bathtubs or spaces behind furniture aren’t the safest places – hiding under a bed or strong table is a better option, which will protect you from falling objects
  • If you are in a wheelchair, stay away from any objects that could fall. Lock the wheels and cover your head with your arms
  • If you are trapped under rubble, avoid wasting your energy or stirring up dust. Only call for help when you hear people nearby
  • After the earthquake, get to your evacuation point. Try to get in touch with your embassy and emergency contact. Try not to waste your phone battery.

  Worldwide 24-hour Emergency Assistance

  Need assistance? Find the emergency contact telephone number for you.

  So we can best assist you, please be ready with the following:

  • Your policy number
  • A contact number for where you are now
  • The nature of your problem
  • If you are ill or injured we will need details of medical consultations you have had
• Eruption of Mount Agung, Bali 

  

  The huge ash cloud has caused Bali’s Denpasar airport to close on Monday. Picture: AFP/Sonny Tumbelaka Source:AFP

  

  Eruption of Mount Agung, Bali (Advice for the PDS effective 15 August 2016; as at 10am on Wednesday 22 November 2017, AEDT)

  Mount Agung, Bali, Indonesia has begun erupting smoke and ash. An official exclusion zone remains in place that in some places extends to 7.5 kilometres from the volcano. We are now issuing a cover cut-off for claims arising from this known event.

  For policies purchased up to 8:05pm (AEDT) on Tuesday 21 November 2017, cover is available for the lesser of cancellation or rearrangement costs when, as a result of the volcanic activity, you have no alternative but to cancel or rearrange your upcoming trip. Refer to Event 2.2 – Your flight, other scheduled transport or overnight tour is delayed, cancelled or rescheduled before your trip starts.

  Cover is also available for cancellation or extra trip costs when, as a result of the volcanic activity, your flight, other scheduled transport or overnight tour is delayed, rescheduled or cancelled. Refer to Event 3.2 – Your flight, other scheduled transport or tour is delayed – and it’s not the operator’s fault. Other sections of the policy wording apply; please refer to the PDS for further details.

  For policies purchased after 8:05pm (AEDT) on Tuesday 21 November 2017, cover is not available for claims arising from any volcanic activity, including any new ash cloud events, as such events are no longer unforeseen.

  This restriction of cover also applies to any travel plans made or changed after 8:05pm (AEDT) on Tuesday 21 November 2017 where you are impacted by the volcanic activity.

  We are monitoring the situation and will advise when this position changes. Refer to your providers following service interruptions; they can best assist with making alternative arrangements.

• Jetstar Industrial Action

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