Travelling during coronavirus? Here’s what you need to know

Your options for travel explained.

As travel restrictions continue to tighten to areas that have been affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19), there's an underlying sense of urgency to reconsider your need to travel.

But if you've already booked your trip or you were hoping to get away over Easter, what does this mean for your travel plans?

Here are some considerations to bear in mind.

Travel restrictions are in place

Smartraveller has issued a "do not travel" alert on mainland China, and the Australian Government has announced travel restrictions to mainland China until 7 March 2020, at which point the restrictions may be reviewed and extended.

Since this isn't a ban, travel is still allowed between countries. However, Australians returning from China will be subject to enhanced border control measures. They may also be quarantined if they're suspected of carrying COVID-19. This basically means that you should expect delays at the airport.

Many countries are also now denying travellers who have been to China in the past 14 days. So if you've travelled to China recently, it's advised that you wait before heading off again.

Other countries that have had travel alerts raised due to coronavirus are:

• South Korea (upgraded to Do Not Travel on 5 March 2020)
• Japan
• Mongolia
• Northern Italy
• Iran

Cancelling your trip may be possible

If you had plans to visit an infected area, it's a good idea to consider other arrangements.

If you were headed to mainland China, your travel insurance might cover you, so long as your policy was purchased before January 2020, which is when COVID-19 became a known issue. If you purchased travel insurance before this date, you may be eligible for a refund for cancelling your trip. However, this depends on your policy and its cut-off date. Whatever the case, it's worth contacting your insurer to see what your options are.

You should also be able to cancel for a refund if you purchase cancel-for-any-reason (CFAR) insurance.

Those who didn't purchase insurance may still be able to cancel or alter their holiday plans. Contact your travel agency, airline or cruise company to see if it's possible to refund, change or delay your trip.

For example, Qantas is offering customers who purchased flights to mainland China the chance to rebook or cancel their flight for a full refund, while Aunt Betty is offering refunds for select circumstances.

Select flights have been suspended

Over 40 airlines worldwide have announced flight cancellations to various destinations in Asia.

At home, Qantas and Jetstar have made service cuts to China, Hong Kong and Singapore, Virgin Australia has suspended flights to Hong Kong, and several of Tigerair's domestic flights have been canned due to a lack of demand.

From 8 March to 30 June, Air New Zealand will cease flights to Seoul.

If your flight is cancelled, the airline should contact you to make alternate arrangements. Bear in mind that this may cause changes to your holiday itinerary.

It's still a good idea to check that your flight has not been cancelled just before your departure.

Local and domestic travel is an option

While restrictions and cases change day-by-day, those insistent on travelling might consider areas with no reported cases.

Some popular destinations for Aussies include New Zealand, Indonesia, Fiji and Vanuatu. Before you travel, read the advice on Smartraveller in case the situation has changed.

Otherwise, you could also use this time to discover your own backyard and help boost tourism in areas that have been financially affected by coronavirus and the recent bushfires.

By the numbers, Roy Morgan states that one in six Australian businesses have been affected by COVID-19. While this is not all tourism-related, the travel restrictions have resulted in many Asian tourists cancelling their trips, with businesses stating that "people have more caution travelling, and simply aren't travelling as much."

Of the states, Tasmania has been the worst hit by COVID-19, with 34% of businesses affected. This is followed by Queensland and Western Australia, with 18% and 16% of businesses affected respectively.

Victoria and NSW businesses were the greatest impacted by the bushfires.

If you do travel, look after your health while away

Whether you're travelling to an affected area or not, it's important to remain vigilant with good health practices. This includes washing your hands often with soap or sanitiser, avoiding contact with anyone who's unwell and avoiding high-risk areas such as farms.

You're not required to wear surgical masks, as their purpose is to prevent those infected from spreading the virus, not to prevent you from contracting it.

It's also important to monitor your health closely. If you are feeling ill seek medical attention immediately.

Prior to departure, it's a good idea to contact your doctor for further advice, particularly if you are travelling with young children, are pregnant or have a suppressed immune system.