This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/18/travel/coronavirus-americans-stranded.html

The article has changed 29 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 12 Version 13
Americans Stranded Abroad: ‘I Feel Completely Abandoned’ Americans Stranded Abroad: ‘I Feel Completely Abandoned’
(about 8 hours later)
Travel and travel planning are being disrupted by the worldwide spread of the coronavirus. For the latest updates, read The New York Times’s Covid-19 coverage here.Travel and travel planning are being disrupted by the worldwide spread of the coronavirus. For the latest updates, read The New York Times’s Covid-19 coverage here.
Lauren Davenport and Daniel Fernandez of St. Petersburg, Fla., were on a camping trip in the Sahara when Morocco announced that it was suspending all flights in and out of the country “until further notice.” They were stunned to return to Marrakesh on Tuesday and realize they couldn’t get home.Lauren Davenport and Daniel Fernandez of St. Petersburg, Fla., were on a camping trip in the Sahara when Morocco announced that it was suspending all flights in and out of the country “until further notice.” They were stunned to return to Marrakesh on Tuesday and realize they couldn’t get home.
They are just two of thousands of tourists stuck in Morocco as the kingdom battles the coronavirus; even more have been stranded in other countries around the globe that have restricted international travel.They are just two of thousands of tourists stuck in Morocco as the kingdom battles the coronavirus; even more have been stranded in other countries around the globe that have restricted international travel.
Among the stranded in Morocco are American citizens, residents and other visa holders who say the United States government has been unresponsive to their pleas for help, even as British and French authorities have been aiding their citizens.Among the stranded in Morocco are American citizens, residents and other visa holders who say the United States government has been unresponsive to their pleas for help, even as British and French authorities have been aiding their citizens.
“France is being very open with the citizens and is moving mountains to get them home; meanwhile the U.S. embassy says ‘call the airlines’ and ‘prepare to be here for a while, but not indefinitely,’” said Cristina Pratt, who was visiting Morocco from the East Bay in California with a friend and the friend’s parents when the ban went into place.“France is being very open with the citizens and is moving mountains to get them home; meanwhile the U.S. embassy says ‘call the airlines’ and ‘prepare to be here for a while, but not indefinitely,’” said Cristina Pratt, who was visiting Morocco from the East Bay in California with a friend and the friend’s parents when the ban went into place.
Even as the State Department issued a level four advisory telling Americans at home not to travel and those abroad to come home, the stranded travelers have received no word on how the government will help them get back to the United States.Even as the State Department issued a level four advisory telling Americans at home not to travel and those abroad to come home, the stranded travelers have received no word on how the government will help them get back to the United States.
Elizabeth Eden, 38, another American stuck in Morocco, is six weeks pregnant. Ms. Eden said that she spent two days outside the United States consulate in Casablanca, which was only letting in limited numbers of travelers, hoping someone would help her get home or advise her on what to do. She said that she called the emergency phone numbers the United States embassy has online and sent an email to the State Department, but hasn’t heard anything back. She also said that she is running out of money and food and is willing to go anywhere, even if it’s not her home. (She splits her time between Baltimore and Los Angeles.)Elizabeth Eden, 38, another American stuck in Morocco, is six weeks pregnant. Ms. Eden said that she spent two days outside the United States consulate in Casablanca, which was only letting in limited numbers of travelers, hoping someone would help her get home or advise her on what to do. She said that she called the emergency phone numbers the United States embassy has online and sent an email to the State Department, but hasn’t heard anything back. She also said that she is running out of money and food and is willing to go anywhere, even if it’s not her home. (She splits her time between Baltimore and Los Angeles.)
“It’s super frustrating not hearing anything from your own government,” Ms. Eden said. “I feel completely abandoned.”“It’s super frustrating not hearing anything from your own government,” Ms. Eden said. “I feel completely abandoned.”
Her sentiment was echoed by Moussa Diene, 44, an American citizen who said he is stuck in Casablanca and running low on his diabetes medication. Mr. Diene, 44, said he has been to the consulate, but did not receive any help.Her sentiment was echoed by Moussa Diene, 44, an American citizen who said he is stuck in Casablanca and running low on his diabetes medication. Mr. Diene, 44, said he has been to the consulate, but did not receive any help.
A State Department official said in an email to The Times that the department “has no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas.”A State Department official said in an email to The Times that the department “has no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas.”
When asked about the Americans stranded in Morocco during a news conference on Thursday, President Trump said, “We know about it,” and then addressed the issue of stranded travelers in Peru.When asked about the Americans stranded in Morocco during a news conference on Thursday, President Trump said, “We know about it,” and then addressed the issue of stranded travelers in Peru.
“​​We have a group of young people in Peru, and we’re working on taking care of that with the military,​” he said. He also said that the administration is not working on a military evacuation, but it is “looking to get them out, probably through the military.”“​​We have a group of young people in Peru, and we’re working on taking care of that with the military,​” he said. He also said that the administration is not working on a military evacuation, but it is “looking to get them out, probably through the military.”
But a number of the Americans pointed out that while Thomas Reilly, the British ambassador to Morocco has been posting useful information on Twitter regularly, the American ambassador, David T. Fischer, has not.But a number of the Americans pointed out that while Thomas Reilly, the British ambassador to Morocco has been posting useful information on Twitter regularly, the American ambassador, David T. Fischer, has not.
On Monday, Morocco’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it would allow “exceptional flights” into the country to repatriate tourists. The American embassy tweeted on Tuesday: “With gratitude to our partners at the British Embassy in Morocco, we again confirm there will be 30 commercial flights (easyJet, Ryanair, British Airways and Tui) leaving from Agadir and Marrakech to London until 19 March.”On Monday, Morocco’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it would allow “exceptional flights” into the country to repatriate tourists. The American embassy tweeted on Tuesday: “With gratitude to our partners at the British Embassy in Morocco, we again confirm there will be 30 commercial flights (easyJet, Ryanair, British Airways and Tui) leaving from Agadir and Marrakech to London until 19 March.”
On Wednesday, Ambassador Fischer said in a phone call that his staff has helped hundreds, if not thousands, of Americans leave Morocco in recent weeks, and is continuing to do so.On Wednesday, Ambassador Fischer said in a phone call that his staff has helped hundreds, if not thousands, of Americans leave Morocco in recent weeks, and is continuing to do so.
“How do you pick who goes on a chartered flight when you’ve got 10,000 people?” he said. “We have put thousands of people on flights, but what we are not doing is going out onto the street or letting everyone who comes in, because we don’t have a space big enough for that.”“How do you pick who goes on a chartered flight when you’ve got 10,000 people?” he said. “We have put thousands of people on flights, but what we are not doing is going out onto the street or letting everyone who comes in, because we don’t have a space big enough for that.”
Mr. Fischer arrived in Morocco to begin his posting as ambassador in January. He previously was the chairman and chief executive of Suburban Collection Holdings, a car dealership group. He was nominated for the ambassadorship by President Trump two years ago and confirmed in January.Mr. Fischer arrived in Morocco to begin his posting as ambassador in January. He previously was the chairman and chief executive of Suburban Collection Holdings, a car dealership group. He was nominated for the ambassadorship by President Trump two years ago and confirmed in January.
Mr. Fischer said that his staff is working hard to get Americans home and was adamant that travel into and out of the country had not been suspended on Sunday. “The king did not ban planes,” he said. “Morocco has not banned travel. You need to check your facts.”Mr. Fischer said that his staff is working hard to get Americans home and was adamant that travel into and out of the country had not been suspended on Sunday. “The king did not ban planes,” he said. “Morocco has not banned travel. You need to check your facts.”
On Sunday, Morocco’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates said it “decided to suspend, until further notice, all international passenger flights to and from its territory.”​ The statement was posted on the ministry’s website and shared on the Moroccan Diplomacy Twitter account.On Sunday, Morocco’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates said it “decided to suspend, until further notice, all international passenger flights to and from its territory.”​ The statement was posted on the ministry’s website and shared on the Moroccan Diplomacy Twitter account.
Mr. Fischer said some of the challenges of helping every American who is stranded are logistical. Many people were not registered as being in the country, and the embassy has only recently found out about them. Additionally, beyond the S.T.E.P. program, “we have no way to speak directly to thousands of people at one time,” he said.Mr. Fischer said some of the challenges of helping every American who is stranded are logistical. Many people were not registered as being in the country, and the embassy has only recently found out about them. Additionally, beyond the S.T.E.P. program, “we have no way to speak directly to thousands of people at one time,” he said.
The repatriation flights will fly from Morocco two days — today and Thursday — and would get travelers to Britain and France, but it was unclear if they would connect them to the United States. And without specifications about how many people could be accommodated on the rescue flights, Americans were still unclear if they could get on. Photos of crowded airports circulated on social media on Wednesday.The repatriation flights will fly from Morocco two days — today and Thursday — and would get travelers to Britain and France, but it was unclear if they would connect them to the United States. And without specifications about how many people could be accommodated on the rescue flights, Americans were still unclear if they could get on. Photos of crowded airports circulated on social media on Wednesday.
Una Harris, 25, who lives in Brooklyn, said that she and her friends could only find flights from Marrakesh that had stops in France, Britain and Spain, but it wasn’t clear if they would be able to travel from those European hubs to the United States, or if they would be allowed on the flights at all.Una Harris, 25, who lives in Brooklyn, said that she and her friends could only find flights from Marrakesh that had stops in France, Britain and Spain, but it wasn’t clear if they would be able to travel from those European hubs to the United States, or if they would be allowed on the flights at all.
“It feels safer to stay where we are versus going to fight with the airlines at the airport where people are crowding and protesting, and priority is being given to people who are citizens of countries like France and Spain,” she said.“It feels safer to stay where we are versus going to fight with the airlines at the airport where people are crowding and protesting, and priority is being given to people who are citizens of countries like France and Spain,” she said.
She and others also said that one-way flights from Europe to the United States that typically cost a few hundred dollars are currently thousands.She and others also said that one-way flights from Europe to the United States that typically cost a few hundred dollars are currently thousands.
Many of the stranded tourists have been connecting with each other via Facebook and WhatsApp, the messaging service.Many of the stranded tourists have been connecting with each other via Facebook and WhatsApp, the messaging service.
“When you see an American, the first thing you do is get their WhatsApp,” Mr. Fernandez said.“When you see an American, the first thing you do is get their WhatsApp,” Mr. Fernandez said.
In one Facebook group called “U.S. Citizens trapped in Morocco,” people have been sharing experiences and passing on information about the rescue flights, posting messages from the embassies of other countries and seeking advice from one another. Others are using the group as a source of comfort to be reminded that they aren’t alone in a foreign country.In one Facebook group called “U.S. Citizens trapped in Morocco,” people have been sharing experiences and passing on information about the rescue flights, posting messages from the embassies of other countries and seeking advice from one another. Others are using the group as a source of comfort to be reminded that they aren’t alone in a foreign country.
“Our government, embassy, and airlines don’t seem to be helping us, so maybe we can help each other” is the description the group’s creator, Jennifer Bell, came up with.“Our government, embassy, and airlines don’t seem to be helping us, so maybe we can help each other” is the description the group’s creator, Jennifer Bell, came up with.
Some 40 to 50 people used the WhatsApp group to coordinate a gathering outside the consulate in Casablanca on Tuesday. At the consulate many were given a sheet of paper instructing them to email their names, passport numbers, dates of birth, emails and phone numbers to ACSCasablanca@state.gov, and were told they would receive a response “as soon as possible.”Some 40 to 50 people used the WhatsApp group to coordinate a gathering outside the consulate in Casablanca on Tuesday. At the consulate many were given a sheet of paper instructing them to email their names, passport numbers, dates of birth, emails and phone numbers to ACSCasablanca@state.gov, and were told they would receive a response “as soon as possible.”
Heather Harget has been using the Facebook group to communicate with other parents whose children are in Morocco. Her own daughter, Colleen Mader, has been involved in a State Department-backed exchange program in Rabat for about six months and was going to return home to Maryland on Tuesday, after her program, along with other study abroad programs, was cut short. Ms. Mader’s flight was canceled when the ban on international travel was announced on Sunday.Heather Harget has been using the Facebook group to communicate with other parents whose children are in Morocco. Her own daughter, Colleen Mader, has been involved in a State Department-backed exchange program in Rabat for about six months and was going to return home to Maryland on Tuesday, after her program, along with other study abroad programs, was cut short. Ms. Mader’s flight was canceled when the ban on international travel was announced on Sunday.
“A lot of us are just wondering if other countries are doing this for their citizens, why haven’t we heard anything from ours?” said Ms. Bell, the creator of the “maybe we can help each other” Facebook group.“A lot of us are just wondering if other countries are doing this for their citizens, why haven’t we heard anything from ours?” said Ms. Bell, the creator of the “maybe we can help each other” Facebook group.
Ms. Eden, the woman who is pregnant, said she has been teaching English in Morocco for two months. She was taken to a hospital by an American woman and her daughter in Casablanca after she felt sick on Tuesday.Ms. Eden, the woman who is pregnant, said she has been teaching English in Morocco for two months. She was taken to a hospital by an American woman and her daughter in Casablanca after she felt sick on Tuesday.
Updated June 16, 2020Updated June 16, 2020
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
“Yesterday, I felt contractions, I was in pain and was worried that I was going to have a miscarriage,” she said. “Today I didn’t feel any contractions but I felt extremely tired and sick. I was scared enough to agree to someone taking me to a hospital here.”“Yesterday, I felt contractions, I was in pain and was worried that I was going to have a miscarriage,” she said. “Today I didn’t feel any contractions but I felt extremely tired and sick. I was scared enough to agree to someone taking me to a hospital here.”
The State Department, in its email, did not elaborate on any plans it might have to help the stranded Americans get home. “We are aware the governments of several countries have announced suspension of air travel,” it said. “We are considering all options to assist U.S. citizens in these countries and are continuously assessing travel conditions in all areas affected by COVID-19. We will continue to update our travel advisories and safety information for U.S. travelers as situations evolve.”The State Department, in its email, did not elaborate on any plans it might have to help the stranded Americans get home. “We are aware the governments of several countries have announced suspension of air travel,” it said. “We are considering all options to assist U.S. citizens in these countries and are continuously assessing travel conditions in all areas affected by COVID-19. We will continue to update our travel advisories and safety information for U.S. travelers as situations evolve.”
It also advised Americans to follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (C.D.C.) and local health authorities, review its travel advisories at Travel.State.Gov, and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment (STEP) program at step.state.gov for updates from the department.It also advised Americans to follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (C.D.C.) and local health authorities, review its travel advisories at Travel.State.Gov, and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment (STEP) program at step.state.gov for updates from the department.
Morocco is just one of many countries that have put travel restrictions in place with little warning, essentially trapping some travelers. In Peru, which announced plans to shut down travel to and from the country earlier this week, thousands of travelers from across the world found themselves stranded, with their flights canceled and little idea how to get home.Morocco is just one of many countries that have put travel restrictions in place with little warning, essentially trapping some travelers. In Peru, which announced plans to shut down travel to and from the country earlier this week, thousands of travelers from across the world found themselves stranded, with their flights canceled and little idea how to get home.
Scott Dyer, 65, and Kathryn Ward, 66, of Pleasantville, N.Y., had a two-and-a-half week trip to Peru planned, and after an overnight trip to the northern part of the country, learned that Peru would “be shutting down completely.” They rushed to get flights back to the capital, Lima, but from there, were unable to get a flight out of the country. They are among the hundreds of Americans now stranded in Peru as other countries, including Britain and Israel, worked to repatriate their citizens.Scott Dyer, 65, and Kathryn Ward, 66, of Pleasantville, N.Y., had a two-and-a-half week trip to Peru planned, and after an overnight trip to the northern part of the country, learned that Peru would “be shutting down completely.” They rushed to get flights back to the capital, Lima, but from there, were unable to get a flight out of the country. They are among the hundreds of Americans now stranded in Peru as other countries, including Britain and Israel, worked to repatriate their citizens.
“We’re calm, but we’ve heard nothing from the embassy even though we registered for the STEP program,” Mr. Dyer said.“We’re calm, but we’ve heard nothing from the embassy even though we registered for the STEP program,” Mr. Dyer said.
On Tuesday, Israel’s foreign minister, Yisrael Katz, announced plans to repatriate its citizens traveling in the country beginning on Thursday. Other nations were still trying to figure out a way forward.On Tuesday, Israel’s foreign minister, Yisrael Katz, announced plans to repatriate its citizens traveling in the country beginning on Thursday. Other nations were still trying to figure out a way forward.
The British ambassador to Peru, Kate Harrisson, said British officials were in contact with Peruvian authorities and commercial airlines to enable the evacuation of British citizens who were traveling there when the country announced its closures.The British ambassador to Peru, Kate Harrisson, said British officials were in contact with Peruvian authorities and commercial airlines to enable the evacuation of British citizens who were traveling there when the country announced its closures.
One British national, Briony Blackwell, wrote on Twitter that she and her husband were stranded in Cusco with no available flights to leave the country.One British national, Briony Blackwell, wrote on Twitter that she and her husband were stranded in Cusco with no available flights to leave the country.
“We don’t know what to do,” she wrote.“We don’t know what to do,” she wrote.
Lynne Fernie, a 29-year-old educational psychologist from Glasgow, got stranded in Hurghada, a seaside city in Egypt, after the country stepped up its travel restrictions and suspended all flights.Lynne Fernie, a 29-year-old educational psychologist from Glasgow, got stranded in Hurghada, a seaside city in Egypt, after the country stepped up its travel restrictions and suspended all flights.
Ms. Fernie and her friend were scheduled to return to Britain on Sunday, but easyJet informed them on Tuesday that their flight had been canceled. On top of that, the hotel they are staying at in Hurghada is shutting its doors and they have been told that they should leave their room by Thursday. Ms. Fernie said that the experience has been “hellish.”Ms. Fernie and her friend were scheduled to return to Britain on Sunday, but easyJet informed them on Tuesday that their flight had been canceled. On top of that, the hotel they are staying at in Hurghada is shutting its doors and they have been told that they should leave their room by Thursday. Ms. Fernie said that the experience has been “hellish.”
“Since Monday we have been sitting at reception to get Wi-Fi to sort it out,” she said in a message on Twitter on Wednesday. They have had no communication with easyJet or anyone, she said and are now waiting for someone to schedule a rescue flight. But the prospect of getting stuck abroad with no currency or a place to stay — some of the hotel staff gave them the option to stay at their houses — and without the ability to speak Egyptian Arabic, remains daunting.“Since Monday we have been sitting at reception to get Wi-Fi to sort it out,” she said in a message on Twitter on Wednesday. They have had no communication with easyJet or anyone, she said and are now waiting for someone to schedule a rescue flight. But the prospect of getting stuck abroad with no currency or a place to stay — some of the hotel staff gave them the option to stay at their houses — and without the ability to speak Egyptian Arabic, remains daunting.
German travelers stranded abroad will be receiving aid from the government to get home, that country’s foreign minister, Heiko Maas, said on Tuesday.German travelers stranded abroad will be receiving aid from the government to get home, that country’s foreign minister, Heiko Maas, said on Tuesday.
Thousands of German citizens had been vacationing around the globe before the outbreak of the coronavirus became a pandemic, and Mr. Maas said that 50 million euros had been earmarked for logistics and flights to return them from countries like Morocco, the Dominican Republic, Egypt and the Maldives.Thousands of German citizens had been vacationing around the globe before the outbreak of the coronavirus became a pandemic, and Mr. Maas said that 50 million euros had been earmarked for logistics and flights to return them from countries like Morocco, the Dominican Republic, Egypt and the Maldives.
“We will do everything possible to make it possible for the thousands of Germans stranded abroad to return to Germany in the coming days,” Mr. Maas said. He urged Germans already at home to stay there and put off any planned travel. “This warning against tourist travel applies worldwide.”“We will do everything possible to make it possible for the thousands of Germans stranded abroad to return to Germany in the coming days,” Mr. Maas said. He urged Germans already at home to stay there and put off any planned travel. “This warning against tourist travel applies worldwide.”
Megan Specia and Iliana Magra contributed reporting from London. Melissa Eddy contributed reporting from Berlin.Megan Specia and Iliana Magra contributed reporting from London. Melissa Eddy contributed reporting from Berlin.
Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation.Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation.