Italy on lockdown: All 60 million residents are under restrictions, including travel checks, school closures and bans on public events.

Experts says "older adults" are at risk — but what does that mean?

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says "older adults" and people with serious chronic medical conditions "are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness."

Anyone over 60 and those with underlying health problems should try to avoid places with large crowds — such as movie theaters, busy malls and even religious services, top infectious disease experts say.

"This ought to be top of mind for people over 60, and those with underlying health problems," said Dr. William Schaffner, a Vanderbilt University professor and longtime CDC adviser.

"The single most important thing you can do to avoid the virus is reduce your face to face contact with people."

But why is age 60 often used as a threshold for those who need to be extra cautious?

"We now know more about who is at risk," US Surgeon General Jerome Adams said.

"(The) average age of death for people from coronavirus is 80. Average age of people who need medical attention is age 60."

British Airways cancels flights to and from Italy

British Airways has canceled all its services to and from Italy after the Italian government placed the country on lockdown to try and contain the coronavirus outbreak.

In a statement, British Airways said: “In light of the Italian Government's announcement and the UK Government's official travel advice, we have contacted all customers who are due to travel today. Any travellers due to fly to or from Italy between now and April 4 can rebook to a later date up until the end of May, move their destination to Geneva or Zurich or receive a full refund.”

Italy has the highest number of confirmed virus cases outside China, with 9,172 infections, and 463 people have died.

A global plunge in air travel means lower fares and booking flexibility. CNN Photo via Getty images

Global travel slowdown means lots of deals

Coronavirus has no doubt put the travel industry into a tailspin,reports CNN.

Airlines alone could lose $113 billion in sales if the virus continues to spread, according to the International Air Transport Association.

Hotels, too -- both big brands like Marriott International and Hyatt Hotels as well as small family-run properties -- are hurting as reserved guests cancel their stays for fear of traveling and don't rebook.

Henry Harteveldt, a travel industry analyst and the founder of Atmosphere Research Group, estimates that hotels could lose more than $30 billion worldwide because of coronavirus.

But while the outbreak's trajectory has been speedy, there is a windfall for travelers: substantially reduced airfares and free extras at hotels and from tour operators that are worth hundreds of dollars -- even during the upcoming peak summer travel season.

This is not a situation to be taken lightly, but it's an incredible time of opportunity that travelers should take advantage of," says Jack Ezon, the founder of the New York City luxury travel advisory Embark Beyond Travel. "We're telling our clients not to waste this crisis and to jump on the value and flexibility they have now more than ever before. They can plan ahead with no strings attached with major upside."

Harteveldt agrees that this is a time of deals. "For people who feel comfortable traveling, there are going to be great bargains out there with flights, vacation packages and hotels," he says.

The decision to travel is a personal calculation that should take State Department and other international travel advisories into account.

Many travel companies are including options for penalty free cancellation or rescheduling for bookings made during this uncertain time, so travelers have some peace of mind if the situation deteriorates in their destination or doesn't substantially improve before their scheduled departure.