Starting on January 27, the Chinese authorities have suspended all tour groups as well as the sale of flight and hotel packages for Chinese citizens travelling abroad, according to a report in the New York Times. Tour groups which were in the middle of their trips have been permitted to continue, but should closely monitor travellers' health.

In a media briefing held on January 26, Ma Xiaowei, Director of the National Health Committee and Secretary of the Party Group revealed the seven measures that the Chinese government was implementing to bring a swift end to the outbreak. Part of the third measure "to strengthen epidemic prevention and control across the country" was to "suspend the travel activities of travel clubs."

The decision will help to alleviate airports and authorities around the world's concerns given they have already been screening Chinese travellers for signs of the virus. The number of people killed in China by the new coronavirus has risen to 81, with almost 3,000 confirmed ill, according to the BBC. At least 44 cases have been confirmed outside of China, including in Thailand, the US, and Australia, although there have been no deaths outside China.

In terms of global regions (excluding Asia), the top three airlines' weekly capacity on Chinese routes, according to the ch-aviation schedules module, are as follows: