Operators 'carefully monitoring' coronavirus outbreak

The FCO updated its guidance to advise against all but essential travel to China and all travel to Hubei province, home to the city of Wuhan where the outbreak is thought to have originated. The advice excludes Macao and Hong Kong.

More than 100 people have died from the respiratory infection, which has now spread to more than 15 countries. China’s national health commission has confirmed nearly 6,000 cases so far.

On Wednesday (29 January), British Airways suspended all flights to and from mainland China owing to the outbreak. There are no listings for BA’s Heathrow-Shanghai and Heathrow-Beijing services until 1 March.

The FCO advice amounts to a tacit travel ban as anyone travelling to an area where the FCO is advising against all, or all but essential, travel will likely see their insurance invalidated.