COVID-19 Update: U.S. Cases Approach 150,000

uAs confirmed cases in the U.S. approach 150,000, several states have issued guidance for travelers arriving from areas of outbreak clusters.

Texas governor Greg Abbott has extended an order requiring air travelers from certain areas to undergo a 14-day quarantine. The order now includes travelers that arrive by plane from Chicago, Miami, Detroit, Atlanta, Chicago, Washington State, California. A previous order applies to those arriving by plane from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, or New Orleans to undergo a 14-day quarantine.

Governor Abbott also issued an executive order that requires all motorists entering Texas from Louisiana to undergo a 14-day quarantine. Motorists entering for critical services such as for commercial, medical, military, or infrastructure purposes are exempt. State troopers will enforce the order at road checkpoints along the border. 

Florida governor Ron DeSantis has signed an executive order mandating those whose point of departure originated for the New York Tri-State Area (New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut) to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.

On 30 March, Maryland governor Larry Hogan issued a mandatory stay-at-home order, meaning violators could be charged with a misdemeanor. 

President Donald Trump announced on 29 March that White House social distancing guidelines which recommended older people and those with pre-existing health conditions to stay at home, and for all other residents to avoid social and public gatherings, including at bars and restaurants and to work-from-home, will remain in effect nationwide until 30 April.

Latest Global Updates:

• Japan has extended its entry ban to include travelers who have been in China, South Korea, the United States, and most European countries in the past 14 days.

• Netherlands officials have suspended passenger flights from Austria, mainland China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Italy, Iran, and Spain.

• Philippines suspended all domestic flights to and from Francisco Bangoy International Airport, near Davao City..

• In Thailand, reports indicate that Phuket International Airport will be closed from April 10 to April 30. Phuket Province has also closed all land and sea borders.

• In Uzbekistan, travelers are barred from entering with the exception of nationals and residents of Uzbekistan. Updated reports indicate that all airports in the country have been closed stating Monday, March 30.

• In Vietnam, all inbound flights to the country have been suspended for two weeks starting on Sunday, March 29.

• In Russia, residents of Moscow, regardless of age, will be required to self-isolate from Monday, March 30. Residents will only be allowed to leave for food, to seek medical attention, or to walk their pets.

• In Brazil, all travelers will be barred from entering the country from March 30. This does not apply to Brazilian citizens or residents. International bus services have been suspended.

What we know:

• 742,444 confirmed cases worldwide
• 35,344 deaths
• 157,043 recovered
• Major ongoing spread areas are now in the U.S., Europe, and Iran.

CURRENT STATUS

The focus in the U.S. is shifting to shelter-in-place measures to limit the spread of COVID-19, with possible full quarantine for certain cities or states with major outbreaks. Working from home, closing of schools, and social distancing in public are all part of an effort to "flatten the curve" of cases to prevent the sudden overwhelming of the country's healthcare system.

As COVID-19 spreads, more and more countries will institute domestic and international travel restrictions. These policies are changing constantly as the pandemic evolves. The International Air Transport Association maintains a list of airline travel restrictions.

TRAVEL ADVICE

The U.S. State Dept. has issued Level 4: DO NOT TRAVEL guidance for the entire world amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, Global Guardian recommends the following:

• Return to the U.S. if currently abroad while commercial means are still available. Otherwise, prepare to remain abroad for an indefinite period. 
• Avoid all international travel.
• Practice advanced careful hygiene measures, including frequent hand washing and sanitizing.
• Practice "social distancing" while in public spaces. 

OUTLOOK

Italy is starting to see positive effects on case growth after more than 14 days of nationwide lockdown and quarantine. The experience in Europe may serve as a glimpse of what is to come in North America as the virus continues to spread. The U.S. and Europe need to be prepared for significant strain on economic and healthcare resources in the coming weeks and months.

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