ABTA has updated its advice for travellers as more cases of coronavirus (covid-19) are reported globally and in Europe.

The virus has infected an estimated 80,000 people, with the majority in China.

Thirteen cases have been reported in the UK, including four passengers who were flown back after being quarantined on Diamond Princess.

Italy has also been badly hit by the virus, with 10 towns in the northern region having reported cases, as well as one case in a hotel in Tenerife.

An ABTA spokesperson said: “Cases of covid-19 (coronavirus) have been reported in a number of countries including the UK.

“Recently, 10 small towns in northern Italy have reported cases, which are being managed under isolation measures by the local authorities, and one case has been reported in a hotel in Tenerife. The FCO has not issued any travel restrictions outside of mainland China and Daegu and Cheongdo in South Korea.

“Although the overall volume of reported cases is very low globally, with the majority in China, it is important that travellers follow the latest public health advice relating to the specific destination they are travelling to.

“UK health authorities are providing detailed advice for specific destinations and locations. Travellers are advised to read the FCO travel advice for the country they are travelling to, which includes entry requirements and a link through to the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) TravelHealthPro website that provides specific travel health advice for countries.

“ABTA also has updated advice and Q&A’s for travellers at abta.com/coronavirus.

“This is a rapidly evolving situation which ABTA will continue to monitor and provide updates as appropriate to its members and travellers.”

On Monday (24 February) The World Health Organisation (WHO) said that the world should do more to prepare for a possible pandemic – a situation where an infectious disease spreads easily between people in many countries.

It has been reported by the Japanese Ministry that a fourth passenger on Diamond Princess has died after falling ill on the ship.

It was quarantined off the coast of Yokohama for two weeks, with passengers allowed to disembark from 19 February.

To date, nearly 700 passengers who were on the ship have tested positive.