Traveling to China and other Asian countries: guidance from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs

In light of the ongoing coronavirus 2019-nCoV outbreak, the Occupational Health Department is publishing a series of recommendations for any Institut Pasteur employees who may be traveling to China and other Asian countries. The novel virus has been identified by the Chinese authorities and the World Health Organization (WHO) as coronavirus 2019-nCoV. With several cases having been reported in China and imported cases observed in other countries, it is recommended that anyone traveling to Asia should familiarize themselves with the relevant guidelines, particularly those issued by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
 
• During your stay in China and other Asian countries:

• keep up to date with the situation by regularly checking the website of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs – see "Dernières minutes" (Latest news) in the "Conseils aux Voyageurs" (Advice for travelers) section for the country concerned (in French) – and regularly consulting the web pages published by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
  The website of the French Embassy in China provides information about the development of local health measures.

• follow the recommendations for prevention issued by local authorities;

• avoid any contact with dead animals and animal markets;

• avoid any close contact with people who have a fever or cough;

• avoid eating raw or rare meat; cook eggs thoroughly;

• wash your hands with soap or alcohol-based solutions;

• regularly clean and disinfect surfaces such as door handles, light switches, handrails and toys

If you begin to suffer from symptoms of respiratory infection (such as fever, cough and breathing difficulties), contact the health authorities as soon as possible and follow their advice carefully; wear a surgical mask if you come into contact with other people, use disposable tissues and wash your hands regularly.

For employees who have recently returned from China (and other Asian countries):

You should:

• Be on the lookout for the onset of fever and respiratory symptoms such as a cough within two weeks of your return.

• If you notice any clinical signs, wear a mask, dial 15 and stay at home.

Unless you notice any respiratory symptoms or fever, there is no reason to take any specific measures such as wearing a surgical mask or staying at home.

For more information and recommendations, consult the "coronavirus" page on the website of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

Nouveau coronavirus (in French)

Coronavirus (in French)
 
Since some countries may issue recommendations for arriving travelers (whether or not they have come from the infected area), all travelers should check on the Ministry's "Ariane" page for the country they are traveling to if they are unable to find any specific recommendations from the country's authorities.