Travel experts weigh in on novel coronavirus

DAYTON — The Centers for Disease Control is warning against travel to China as screenings for the novel coronavirus have expanded to 15 new airports.

News Center 7's Josh Jackson spoke to travel experts about what people should know if they have international trips booked.

“Travel is a personal decision and all travelers need to use their own thoughts on where they should or should not travel and where to travel. They always need to heed any warnings,” Cindy Antrican, AAA public affairs manager for the Miami Valley.

David Hodges just returned Wednesday after spending a week in Hong Kong. He was spotted in the baggage claim area at Dayton International Airport, wearing a mask “just to be safe. Everyone is wearing them over there.”

>> Travel safety tips during coronavirus outbreak

Hodges said the virus doesn’t scare him, but that wasn’t the case for all passengers on his flight.

“This lady was sitting next to a man that had a mask on and he sneezed in his mask. She got up and moved and requested another seat. That’s how paranoid they are about it,” Hodges said.

>> Area hospitals start to screen for novel coronavirus

Right now, a Level 3 travel warning has been issued, which is the highest level.

Travelers are recommended to avoid all nonessential trips, covering all of China, due to the disease outbreak.

AAA advises travelers to take advantage of the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

“It makes our government aware of where you are and they can contact you should something occur,” Antrican said.

In addition, people are advised to look into travel insurance to help travelers should they become sick overseas or to cover trip cancellations due to the coronavirus outbreak.