ANOTHER case of coronavirus has been confirmed at the quarantined hotel in Tenerife, taking the infected cases to six, as British tourists are being allowed to return to the UK.
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.
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An Italian doctor and his wife staying at the hotel on the island were confirmed to have the virus, along with two other Italians of the same group, leading to the shutdown of the hotel for the rest of the guests.
There were approximately 800 guests and 200 staff members quarantined in the hotel, with 160 Brits thought to be inside.
Guests are now able to fly home if they test negatively for coronavirus, according to the hotel.
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.”
Concerned travellers on the island are advised to call (+34) 900 112 061 with any questions.
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 123 cases of coronavirus, with infections across Tenerife, Madrid, Catalonia, Castellon and Seville.
Travellers are being warned to take extra precautions when travelling, such as washing hands with antibacterial gel.
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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.
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Holidaymakers are advised to check with their travel insurance providers to see if there is something they can do, but that is also unlikely.
A Jet2 spokesperson told Sun Online Travel that they were in constant contact with guests at the hotel 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. “
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