Leaving SA amid coronavirus outbreak? We answer your burning questions

A whole lot of uncertainty and some mild paranoia seem to be infecting travellers when it comes to Covid-19. The big question on everyone's lips is about that dreaded face-mask trend. Do you need one if you're going to fly? Passengers have been spotted on domestic flights wearing them - but the short answer (thankfully) is "don't bother".

As the Centers for Disease Control explain, masks don't achieve much (unless the sick person is wearing one).

What you can do is follow these golden rules for staying safe while in transit:

1. Wash your hands frequently: This is hands down the single most important thing you can do, especially while in transit when you're likely to be touching things many other hands have touched. Use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.

2. Keep your distance: Maintain a 1m distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

3. Keep it covered: Droplets spread viruses. If you need to cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or a tissue to protect those around you. Dispose of the tissue in a closed bin immediately.

4. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth: These are entry points for germs, so just don't.

WHAT ABOUT INSURANCE?

Does travel insurance cover Covid-related cancellations? It depends on both the insurer and the policy. Old Mutual, for example, says it will only cover you in the event that you cancel your travel plans within 24 hours of having made them.

Hollard, on the other hand, has developed a special package - literally named "Covid-19" - which covers proactive testing, cancelled flights, mid-air medical emergencies, and reimbursements if an event - such as the upcoming Tokyo Olympics - is cancelled. The package also facilitates repatriation should you need to return home because of an outbreak.

As always, it's the buyer's responsibility to tailor their policy appropriately. As The Telegraph reports, "disinclination to travel" typically won't warrant an insurance payout. But if, on the other hand, your destination is declared unsafe by national authorities, you'll probably get your
money back. 

ADVICE FROM A JOBURG GP*

Is it safe to travel at all, or is the danger specific to Southeast Asia?

If you don't have to travel, then don't travel; and if you have to travel, then try not to travel to Italy, Iran, China, or Japan, where the coronavirus is (prominent) at the moment.

Is it advisable to travel to ... 

The US? No problem.

The UK? No problem.

South America? Apart from perhaps Brazil, which has one case, no problem.

Central America? No problem.

In general, remember that any hub you travel through is going to put you at risk, so take precautions.

How bad is it really?

The death rate for coronavirus is about four times that of normal flu - it's about 2%, compared to normal flu, which is 0.5%. It's not like everyone who gets it dies. A huge number of people have the virus worldwide, but there are, relatively speaking, few deaths (compared to infections) and the death rate goes up with age. There are very few young people who have passed away from this, unless they are immune-compromised.

* The doctor, who asked not to be named, has a family practice in Norwood, Johannesburg.