FCO Advises Against All But Essential Travel to Parts of Italy

With the FCO now advising against all but essential travel to parts of Italy to try and contain the spread of COVID-19, Northern Ireland Travel News has sorted through the panic, to bring you the updated advice from ABTA

The FCO now advise against “all but essential travel to the Lombardy region (which includes the cities of Milan, Bergamo, Como) and the provinces of Modena, Parma, Piacenza, Reggio Emilia and Rimini (all in Emilia Romagna); Pesaro e Urbino (in Marche); Alessandria, Asti, Novara, Verbano-Cusio-Ossola and Vercelli (all in Piemonte); Padova. Treviso and Venice (in Veneto).” This means that holidaymakers who have booked package holidays which include the named locations should be offered alternative arrangements by their travel provider. If no suitable alternatives are available, package holiday customers should be offered a full refund.

Customers who booked their flights and accommodation separately should speak directly with their airline and accommodation provider. They should also check to see if their travel insurance covers additional costs.

In a statement, ABTA said: “The level of travel advice has changed for further areas of Northern Italy. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) now advises against all but essential travel to the Lombardy region (which includes the cities of Milan, Bergamo, Como) and the provinces of Modena, Parma, Piacenza, Reggio Emilia and Rimini (all in Emilia Romagna); Pesaro e Urbino (in Marche); Alessandria, Asti, Novara, Verbano-Cusio-Ossola and Vercelli (all in Piemonte); Padova. Treviso and Venice (in Veneto).

“Customers who are imminently due to travel on package holidays which include the named locations should be offered alternative arrangements by their travel provider. If no suitable alternatives are available, package holiday customers should be offered a full refund.

“Customers who have booked their flights and accommodation directly should speak to their airline and accommodation provider to discuss their options. They should also check their travel insurance to see if this will cover any additional costs.

“Customers currently in the named locations should contact their travel provider to discuss their options and follow the instructions of local authorities and local public health advice.

“Customers with an existing package holiday booked, and those considering making plans, can have confidence that there are protections in place for package holidays should the travel advice to their destination change. ABTA’s latest advice and Q&A’s for travellers is available at abta.com/coronavirus.”

It’s important to remember 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.

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

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