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Coronavirus concerns affecting local travel agency business


By Jean Gunn

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The popular resort Costa Adeje in Tenerife.
The popular resort Costa Adeje in Tenerife.

CAITHNESS holidaymakers enjoying a bit of winter sun in Tenerife, via the local travel agency, are not among those undergoing quarantine at a four-star hotel on the Canary island.

Jim Allan, a partner with Arcade Travel in Thurso and Wick, said: "We have people out in Tenerife but they are not in the hotel causing the problems."

He explained that flights were still running as normal and they had not been informed of any cancellations yet.

"People are obviously very worried and it is affecting our business – people are not booking just now," Mr Allan said.

Jet2 said today it would not fly customers back to the UK who had stayed at the Costa Adeje Palace Hotel, which was on lockdown over coronavirus, unless they were confirmed to be clear of the illness.

Ten Scottish tourists are among those who face being stranded in Tenerife.

A number of airlines have already cancelled flights to affected areas. British Airways has suspended all China flights and there has been a significant fall in demand in travel to Italy following the outbreak in the north of the country.

EasyJet is also cancelling some flights because of the virus and is looking into cost-cutting.

A number of Caithness people have already been affected by the Milan flight cancellations.

British Airways owner IAG has warned that bookings in 2020 will be hit by the effects of coronavirus, with airline shares falling.

Meanwhile, the first case of coronavirus (COVID-19) was confirmed in Scotland at the weekend.

Following a positive test result for the virus, the person has been admitted to hospital and is receiving treatment in isolation.

The patient is a resident of the Tayside area and had recently travelled from northern Italy.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon chaired a meeting of the Scottish Government Resilience Committee (SGoRR) on Sunday and will be taking part in the UK Government’s COBRA meeting chaired by the Prime Minister on Monday morning to ensure all necessary steps are being taken to prepare for further expected cases in Scotland.

There have been a total of 698 negative test results in Scotland since the start of the outbreak in Wuhan, Hubei province, China.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Our first thoughts must be with the patient diagnosed with coronavirus – I wish them a speedy recovery.

“Scotland is well prepared for a significant outbreak of coronavirus but there is currently no treatment or vaccine. Early detection measures will continue to be vital in helping to prevent the spread of the virus.

“People have a vital role to play in helping us contain any outbreak by following the latest health and travel advice, and following basic hygiene precautions, such as washing hands frequently, not touching their face and covering their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.”


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