Is it safe to travel to Switzerland? Latest advice as first coronavirus death and almost 100 cases confirmed – The Sun

CORONAVIRUS cases in Switzerland are nearing 100, with the first death due to the virus confirmed.

If you are planning on travelling to Switzerland, here is all the essential advice you need to know.

Follow our coronavirus live blog for all the latest news and updates.

Is it safe to travel to Switzerland?

There are currently no travel restrictions for entry into Switzerland, although large gatherings and events have been banned until mid-March.

The latest advice from the UK government states: "There is an ongoing outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19). The virus originated in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, but cases have been confirmed in other parts of China and in some other countries, including Switzerland.

"You should comply with any additional screening measures put in place by the cantonal authorities.

"On 28 February, the government of Switzerland introduced a ban on large-scale events in all cantons of Switzerland involving more than 1000 people, until at least 15 March 2020."

Other major events including the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions and the Geneva International Motor Show have been either rescheduled or cancelled.

Carnivals in the southern canton of Ticino, bordering Italy, have also been cancelled.

The situation in the country has been categorised as "special" in accordance to the Epidemics Act, allowing authorities to take over certain powers from the country's 26 cantons.

In addition, travellers are being provided with advice and information at the country's borders and airports.

Can I cancel my holiday to Switzerland?

If you are flying to Switzerland in the next few days, then your flights will remain unaffected.

However, you are advised to keep up to date with the latest travel advice as it is likely to change at short notice.

Concerned passengers can contact their airline to find out whether they can change their flights if concerned, but they are unlikely to offer refunds or free changes.

The only time that tour operators are required to give a refund on holiday packages is if the Foreign Office changes its travel advice for a region and turns it into a no-go area, which they have not done in this case.

Independent hotels are not even required to refund money in this instance, so if you have paid in advance and choose not to turn up then you will lose your money.

If the hotel is a large chain, it could be worth asking to change your stay to another location or delay your trip but they are under no obligation to grant this.

Holidaymakers are advised to check with their travel insurance providers to see if there is something they can do, but that is also unlikely

Officials have advised not cancelling your holiday abroad – if you are concerned about your trip, then we explain how you can cancel it.

We've also updated the latest advice for Austria as well as Spain.

Italy has reported the highest number of coronavirus cases in Europe, with numbers exceeding 3,000.

If you're heading to Thailand, we've explained what to know following a number of coronavirus cases.

Source: Read Full Article