Should I cancel my trip because of the

It depends—primarily on where you’re planning to travel, but on other factors, too. The virus has spread to dozens of countries and every continent except for Antarctica, with the total sure to rise. But government agencies are warning against travel to only a handful of destinations. The U.S. State Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are advising people not to visit China, the center of the outbreak and the CDC has issued the same type of Level 3 alert (“avoid all nonessential travel”) for South Korea, Italy, and Iran, where the highest numbers of cases outside of China have been diagnosed.

San Francisco declared a state of emergency over coronavirus. Does that mean I shouldn’t travel to San Francisco?

No, Dr. Kappagoda said. The declaration frees the city and county government to mobilize more resources to fight the spread of coronavirus, but it doesn’t mean travelers are at higher risk: “You should feel free to come to San Francisco.”

I’ve heard that airports are taking fliers’ temperatures when they land. What happens if you are found to have a temperature?

As long as you’re following the CDC’s warning against all nonessential travel to China and South Korea, there’s no reason to stay off airplanes. The World Health Organization (WHO) advises that travelers exercise the same precautions they’d follow to avoid catching any bug: Keep hands clean and use antiseptic wipes on any surfaces, such as tray tables and armrests, where germs could linger. Contrary to popular belief, cabin air is less of a concern; virtually all international jetliners are equipped with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters, similar to those used in hospital operating rooms; cabin air is refreshed every two to three minutes.