Key Points

CDC recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to China.

• There is an ongoing outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that can be spread from person to person.

• Chinese officials have closed transport within and out of Wuhan and other cities in Hubei province, including buses, subways, trains, and the international airport. Other locations may be affected.

• Older adults and people with underlying health conditions may be at increased risk for severe disease.

• The situation is evolving. This notice will be updated as more information becomes available.

What is the current situation?

• CDC recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to China. In response to an outbreak of respiratory illness, Chinese officials have closed transport within and out of Wuhan and other cities in Hubei province, including buses, subways, trains, and the international airport. Additional restrictions and cancellations of events may occur.

• The US Department of State has issued a Level 4 Travel Advisory asking people not to travel to China due to the coronavirus outbreak.

• There is limited access to adequate medical care in affected areas.

A novel (new) coronavirus is causing an outbreak of respiratory illness that began in the city of Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. This outbreak began in early December 2019 and continues to grow. Initially, some patients were linked to the Wuhan South China Seafood City (also called the South China Seafood Wholesale Market and the Hua Nan Seafood Market) which has since closed.

This notice was originally posted January 6, 2020.