Coronavirus update – travel advice for photographers visiting Barcelona
Due to any anxieties and concerns of travellers planning to visit Barcelona with regards to the outbreak of the Coronavirus, we have added information below as a source of information. From information and current updates on the WHO website, as well as how the outbreak may affect travellers, it appears that following a few simple guidelines in maintaining personal hygiene is a far more effective measure in helping stop the virus or contracting it, than canceling any travel plans.
The situation is continually evolving, so travellers should keep informed of current updates. As of February 29, 2020:
This week the EU stressed that the outbreak of the novel coronavirus in Europe is concerning but no reason for alarm. “This is a situation of concern but we must not give in to panic,” EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides told reporters in Rome after meeting Italian Health Minister Roberto Speranza. “We must also be vigilant when it comes to misinformation and disinformation as well as xenophobic statements which are misleading citizens and putting in question the work of public authorities,” she added. It’s important to remember that according to the World Health Organisation some 80 percent of those infected will only suffer mild symptoms. Some five percent end up in a critical condition.
There are no travel restrictions currently in place in Spain and unless you are booked to stay at the H10 Costa Adeje Palace Hotel on Tenerife, where guests are confined to their room, there is no currently need to change your plans. Authorities in Spain are above all urging people to remain calm. Joan Guix the secretary of public health in the Catalonia region reminded the public that coronavirus staged no great threat to healthy people. “Seasonal common flu is much more serious,” he told a press conference on Tuesday adding “In Catalonia we had 434 cases of hospitilaization of those with the flu resulting in 41 deaths.”
Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the WHO website and through your national and local public health authority. COVID-19 is still affecting mostly people in China with some outbreaks in other countries. Most people who become infected experience mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for others. Take care of your health and protect others by doing the following:
- Wash your hands frequently. Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
- Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth. Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
- Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
- Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority. National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.
Wednesday, March 25 Update:
Spain remains on lockdown, all borders sealed, strict regulations on movement of the population and closure of all but essential shops and services.
Today is the eleventh day of confinement. Spanish Government calculations at the start of the state of alarm indicated active cases of coronavirus would slow their exponential rise in another 3 days, approximately.
The Spanish Government has decided to extend the state of alarm for 15 days. With this measure, Spain will remain on lockdown throughout Easter until April 11. Spain will also restrict entry for most foreigners at air and sea ports for the next 30 days.