A BRITISH tourist has tested positive for coronavirus at the quarantined hotel in Tenerife, following the release of a number of Brits who tested negative.
Here is everything you need to know if you're heading to Tenerife on holiday, from travel warnings to flights and whether you will be affected.
Follow our coronavirus live blog for all the latest news and updates.
Is it safe to travel to Tenerife?
The UK Foreign Office's latest advice advises travellers about the cases of coronavirus in the hotel.
They warn: "The Spanish authorities are dealing with confirmed cases of coronavirus in the H10 Costa Adeje Palace Hotel in Tenerife. If you’re in this hotel, you should follow the advice of the local authorities."
They also said: "There is an ongoing outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) in China and elsewhere, including Spain."
A statement from the Tenerife Tourist Board added: "Around the island, there is a state of absolute normality, and life goes on, both in the tourist areas and in the rest of the island, like it was any other day of the year: cars and people are moving around freely; ports and airports are operating as normal (with no restriction whatsoever regarding arrivals or departures); on beaches, in shops, parks, museums and restaurants, on the streets, etc."
Spain has reported more than 200 cases of coronavirus, with infections across Barcelona, Madrid, Catalonia, Castellon and Seville.
Travellers are being warned to take extra precautions when travelling, such as washing hands with antibacterial gel, but are not advised to self-quarantine if visiting the island.
The NHS website advice includes covering your mouth and nose with a sleeve or tissue when coughing or sneezing, and not touching your eyes, nose or mouth with dirty hands.
Spain is still considered safe to travel to, with no quarantined zones or travel warnings.
Can I cancel my holiday to Tenerife?
All flights are still operating from major airports, so any Brits due to travel to Tenerife are unlikely to get their money back.
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.
We've explained what to do if you want to cancel your holiday due to coronavirus.
Jet2, who are dealing with a number of quarantined people at the hotel, told Sun Online Travel that they were in constant contact with guests with a "designated 24/7 telephone assistance."
They added: "Their health and safety is our absolute priority, as it is with every single one of our customers and colleagues.
"Therefore, to help prevent any potential spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), we have asked all customers to remain in the hotel, which remains under quarantine, until any potential incubation period, as defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO), has passed (March 10).
"We will not fly any customer who has stayed at the H10 Costa Adeje Palace during the quarantine, until this incubation period has passed or unless they have been explicitly tested for COVID-19 by a recognised authority and are confirmed as clear of the virus. Our responsibility to our customers, our colleagues and the general public remains paramount. "
Brits heading to Italy are facing travel disruptions and cancellations after coronavirus cases exceed 3,000 and more than 10 regions locked down to try and prevent the spread.
Here is the latest advice for Brits heading to Thailand amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Source: Read Full Article