Coronavirus: global travel restrictions imposed on Chinese travellers as airlines cut flights to mainland
- At least 24 economies have restrictions on or barred entry to travellers from China, while more than 20 airlines are suspending or reducing flights
- Some 23 countries and territories besides the mainland have reported cases of the virus since it was detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan last month
Twenty-three countries and territories besides mainland China have reported cases of the deadly virus since it was first detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan last month, with cases of human-to-human transmission confirmed in the United States, Japan, Vietnam, Germany and Taiwan.
Although the World Health Organisation (WHO) has cautioned against drastic restrictions on travel and trade involving China, countries including the US and Japan have warned their citizens against visiting the country, with others expected to follow suit. Other jurisdictions have slapped restrictions on the entry of Chinese nationals.
The carriers that have suspended select routes or reduced flights to China include Singapore Airlines and its budget unit Scoot, SilkAir, Jetstar Asia, United Airlines, American Airlines, Air Asia, Cathay Pacific, Delta, KLM, Air India, IndiGo, Air Canada, Virgin Atlantic, Finnair, Turkish Airlines and Lion Air.
British Airways, Lufthansa and Kenya Airways have suspended all flights to the mainland, while Japan’s ANA said it might need to consider such a move.
HONG KONG AND MACAU
Hong Kong has sealed six of its 14 border crossings with the mainland as part of efforts to reduce the number of people arriving.