Is It Now Safe to Travel to China?
When the cases of coronavirus quickly spread all over China, countries around the world immediately banned flights to the country. It started with Wuhan, the epicenter of the virus, and the ban became nationwide. Since then, China has somehow managed to contain the virus. Compared with other countries like the USA, it seems like China is now in a much better place. Does it mean it’s safe to finally visit the country?
Listen to advisories
The best way to answer this question is by asking your government. If they still have advisories in place, it means you shouldn’t visit any time soon. The government still deems any trip to be unsafe. It would be a risk if you decide to pursue it. Besides, if there’s a nationwide ban, getting a flight will probably be impossible.
However, you should take caution when heeding these advisories. The decisions are not always based on science and health. International relations and power struggle come into play too. You should still rely on your gut feeling and assessment of the situation before you pursue the trip.
China is better than other countries
If you still want to travel and China is on your shortlist, it’s probably better than many other options. At the height of the pandemic, people were dropping off the streets of China. The country’s health system failed to deal with the crisis. Since we barely hear this news or see terrible scenes leaked online, the situation is probably better than it used to. Although there were reported cases of outbreaks, China has more effectively managed them. If you compare it with countries that only recently experiencing surge, this trip would be way safer for you.
Determine the importance of your trip
If you intend to pursue your trip to China, the first thing you have to ask yourself is why would you want to do it? If the goal is purely for leisure, you might have to postpone. Besides, several tourist destinations aren’t in full operation yet. You might just be disappointed if you arrive in the country and be unable to visit these places. However, if you’re doing business with China, you might need to book your flight and take the risk. You are going to make money from the transaction, and you’re also helping the people working with you.
If you decide to pursue your trip, you have to listen to updates all the time. You should also know the requirements before you are allowed to enter China. If your country would require you to go on a 14-day quarantine upon arrival, make sure you’re okay with it.
China has a lot to offer, it is one of the most culturally rich countries in the world. It’s also one of the oldest civilizations. Therefore, if things get better, you should have China in your target list. Forget the geopolitical issues, and focus on appreciating what the country has to offer in terms of tourism.
Photo Attribution:
1st and featured image from https://images.livemint.com/img/2020/02/03/600×338/462f20e8-45af-11ea-8985-19ece72214db_1580665737686_1580710809115.jpg
2nd image from https://www.voanews.com/science-health/coronavirus-outbreak/go-or-no-go-us-updates-travel-advisories-amid-coronavirus
