Holiday makers change plans amid coronavirus fears, travel agents says
A travel agency in Cumbria says more people are changing their holiday plans because of the spread of coronavirus.
A number of customers who are booked to fly to Tenerife are now looking at other destinations, according to Cockermouth Travel.
It comes after the H10 Costa Adeje Palace, in the south west of the Spanish island, was "closed down" and guests told to stay in their rooms after an Italian doctor and his wife were tested positive for the COVID19 virus.
Authorities confirmed today (Thursday) that two other guests in the hotel have also been infected.
Around 200, of the estimated 700 people quarantined in Tenerife are Britons.
Travel agent Paul Cusack says the news has prompted some of his customers to rethink their choice of holiday destination. He said: "We've had quite a few clients who are looking to change their holidays. All of that revolves around the Foreign Office's advice for that region and the tour operator."
What should I do if my hotel in Tenerife is quarantined?
Which? travel editor, Rory Boland, told ITV News travellers should look at rebooking or refund options if their holiday accommodation is under quarantine.
"If you are booked to stay at the hotel in Tenerife that has been placed under lockdown, your travel agent should arrange for alternative accommodation to be provided. If you booked directly with the hotel, they should offer you a refund.
"However, as the UK government has not yet advised against travel to Tenerife those due to travel will not be due a refund or be able to claim on travel insurance in most circumstances if they choose not to travel because of the outbreak."
The Health Secretary advised any Britons returning to the UK to call NHS 111 if they showed symptoms of the virus.
For full advice from Public Health England about how to self-isolate, click here.