Share the facts, stop the fear! Millions of people are continuing to travel throughout the world on a daily basis, whether taking flights, cruises, rail journeys or driving and holidaymakers are being urged to separate the facts from the fright.
The President and CEO of WTTC has called for governments and authorities worldwide not to overreact with disproportionate measures in a bid to stop spread of COVID-19, more commonly known as coronavirus.
Closing borders, blanket travel bans and more extreme government policies will not stop the spread of coronavirus, says the head of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).
Gloria Guevara, President and CEO of the WTTC and former Tourism Minister of Mexico, has first-hand experience of containing a major, viral incident after dealing with the H1N1 influenza virus in Mexico.
Ms. Guevara called for governments and authorities worldwide not to overreact with disproportionate measures in a bid to control COVID-19.
Ms. Guevara said: “Governments and those in authority must not seek to choke travel and trade at this time. Closing borders, imposing blanket travel bans and implementing extreme policies are not the answer to stopping the spread of coronavirus.
“Past experience shows that taking such extreme action has been ineffective at best. We urge governments to explore fact-based measures which don’t affect the vast majority of people and businesses for whom travel is essential.”
It’s important to know that the vast majority of people who contract the coronavirus make a full recovery and that is no more deadly that a common bout of flu. Only people who are elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions such as respiratory problems or a weakened immune system are at risk. Out of the 82,404 confirmed cases of COVID-19 only two per cent have been fatal.
The International Air Transport Association has given the KEY tips below if you are commuting via the air:
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
- Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub, or soap and water
- Avoid close contact with people suffering from a fever and/or a cold
- When coughing or sneezing, cover nose and mouth with tissue or flexed elbow
