Coronavirus: Thailand finds successful cure for deadly virus - is it now safe to travel?
THE FCO issued a travel warning for visitors heading to Thailand after cases of Coronavirus were confirmed in the county. However, as medical experts find a successful treatment for the virus, does this mean a reduced risk for holidaymakers?
Thailand is a popular tourist destination, particularly at this time of year due to soaring temperatures and guaranteed sunshine. Unfortunately, after cases of pandemic Coronavirus were confirmed in the country, the FCO issued a travel warning to Britons.
However, on Sunday Thailand’s health ministry declared it had found a cocktail of drugs capable of treating the deadly disease.
Using a cocktail of antivirals specifically aimed at targeting the common flu and HIV, medical professionals were able to cure a 71-yea-old patient.
Just 48 hours after receiving the treatment the patient tested negative for Coronavirus.
The news came amid a rapidly increasing death toll, with the first fatality outside of China reported in the Philippines.
So far, the death toll has risen to above 400, meanwhile more than 20,000 cases of the disease have been reported worldwide.
The FCO has advised against “all but essential travel to areas within the provinces on the Thailand-Malaysia border.”
There is no comment on travel to other regions.
A statement from the FCO regarding Coronavirus reads: “There is an ongoing outbreak of coronavirus.
"“The virus originated in Wuhan City, Hubei Province but cases have been confirmed in other parts of China and the region, including Thailand.
“You should comply with any additional screening measures put in place by the local authorities.”
Meanwhile, Public Health England (PHE) provides advice for travellers who are in affected regions.
Yvonne Doyle, Medical Director at PHE, said: “Isolating yourself from other people, like you would with other flu viruses, is in step with the best scientific and expert advice on how to stop the coronavirus from spreading.
“This means taking simple, common-sense steps, such as staying at home and avoiding close contact with other people as much as possible.”
Furthermore, travellers are being reminded to wash their hands and carry hand sanitiser.
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say hand sanitiser could play a role in preventing the coronavirus from spreading or people contracting it.
All airlines are continuing to fly to Thailand.
However, in a bid to slow the spread of the disease many airlines have reduced or completely put a stop to flights destined for mainland China.
Among them are British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.
British Airways announced that it would be allowing passengers booked onto flights destined for the virus epicentre to cancel or move their flight dates free of charge.
Similarly, Virgin Atlantic is offering a similar alternative for passengers who are booked onto flights to Hong Kong, Shanghai or any “codeshare” destinations within China.
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