Some of the lines were completely closed, with a promise to renew them after the virus incubation period in about two weeks.

• Illustration Illustration: GettyImages

World airlines, including Chinese, are reducing the number of international flights to China, mainly because of the sharp drop in demand for flights. Some of the lines were completely closed, with a promise to renew them within two weeks, at the end of the corona virus incubation period.

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A White House hearing was held last night on the possibility of imposing a sweeping ban on flights to China, but no decision was taken. United Airlines has reduced the frequency of flights to Beijing from 12 flights a day, to just three or four flights. According to NBC News, all flights to China will be discontinued on February 1 and February 8. British Airways also immediately canceled all flights to China except Hong Kong.

The companies that continue to fly are taking steps to prevent the spread of the virus. For example, the AirWiz cell company fumigates every airplane coming from China to Thailand. China Airlines does not provide any refreshments or drinks on the short and long flights, and passengers are asked to wear protective masks during the flight. Companies like Cathay Pacific allowed air and ground crews to wear masks while handling passengers.

Airline flight attendants in Hong Kong // Photo: IP

Also, many companies are asking passengers to bring their own wipes, and to wipe the back of the seat, food trays and armrests. Those sitting at the window are also asked to move with a towel to the wall of the plane where the head rests. Company representatives advise passengers to stay away from passengers who see them as ill and report to airline representatives.

On the lines between China and Israel, for now, there is no further change than cancellation of Sichuan Airlines, which is a relatively short distance from the contagion center. However, there has been a significant drop in flight bookings, and an increase in cancellations on Hainan Airlines flights. EL AL also did not cancel the flights, and the evening leaves as scheduled for the flight to Beijing.

Vaughan Senior High Street // Photo: Reuters

Cruise companies also take precautions to prevent the spread of viruses. The Norwegian Cruise Line company is examining the body heat of passengers boarding ships in China's ports. Passengers with a body temperature of 38 ° C (100.4 ° F) shall not be permitted to board the ship. A similar procedure is being done at Costa Cruises. Also, no travelers who visit or stay in Wuhan City will be charged in the last month. Astro Ocean Cruises has announced that it will reimburse the cruise price for passengers infected with the disease.

As mentioned, airports around the world have begun to check the body heat of passengers arriving from China. In Israel, a check has not yet been made, and hotel employees have complained that travelers are coming from China, and there is no way to tell if they are the carrier of the virus, and no one explains to them how to arrive from China.