Coronavirus concerns cause canceled trips

The coronavirus crisis is causing travelers to put a hold on their trips.

The effects of coronavirus are spreading past medical issues and affecting travel plans creating a whole new issue for travelers.

The quick wide spread of the deadly coronavirus has now reached 53 countries including Canada. Since the breakout in Wuhan China, there have been more than 83,000 people infected and more than 2,800 dead.

“Our clients are calling with questions about their existing trips, if they should cancel, wait or continue as planned,” says Sarah Hupalo, a travel agent at Goliger’s Travel Plus.

Travel agents are now beginning to adjust to protect their clients from taking trips to affected countries.

“Anyone travelling at this time is encouraged to purchase our travel insurance which allows them to cancel for any reason up to seven days prior to travel,” says Hupalo.

Aside from clients postponing their trips to China, many airplanes are no longer flying to China. Currently, there is no information regarding when they will resume.

According to Hupalo, Goliger’s Travel Plus has experienced minimal impact so far but anticipates that this could increase if the virus continues to make headlines.

Not only is the virus causing concerns for travelers and travel agents, it is also causing concern for small business owners in the community.

Baher Bahnam, a convenience store salesman, said although they sell local supplies, he has noticed a drop in sales since the beginning of the year.

“It did get a little slow in here,” says Bahnam. “Some customers I have seen a couple times, and some don’t show up.”

Sarah Hupalo encourages travelers to get their news from factual sources and pay less attention to social media.

According to a statement on the World Health Organization’s website, they are working with United Nation Would Tourism Organization to ensure health measures are implemented in ways that minimize unnecessary interference with international traffic and trade.