While I was traveling at the start of the covid-19 mess, I was well aware of a few things.
- It might be better to stay in one place and hunker down
- I still wanted to see the part of the world I was in so I thought of what I needed to do to stay away from people
- Since the rest of the world wasn’t concerned, I played it safe and planned to move closer to China to re-enter when it was safe. I kept waiting for a full travel ban world wide but it didn’t happen.
- When you know more you do better. I had thought through a lot but not everything. We needed to learn more about the virus to determine the precautions to take. I didn’t wear a mask at the beginning and forgot about all the little things you touch and especially your face. The more I thought, the more actions I took.
- I tried not to take long flights.
- At times I felt I was irresponsible but also knew I could take measures to protect myself and others.
- Then I was in quarantine. Being in my apartment was great.
- I was appalled by the lack of care and concern in most countries as I was traveling. I was glad not to go back to the US. There was total lack of concern at the top.
Since then I’ve thought about discrimination of Chinese when I was in Australia in February. I also heard it was going on elsewhere. Fear makes people do stupid things. I made sure to visit Chinese restaurants and also talk to those I met when I was traveling.
Now that more cases are coming in from overseas, international people are subjected to discrimination here in China. There is a smaller number of cases in the international community than there are in Chinese students returning from overseas. However we are now refused service in restaurants and other establishments. We have had people step out of their way to get further away from us. And though this is unsettling I do understand their fear. And it is not everyone. I have had Chinese nationals stop to talk to me and let me pet their dogs! I’ve been pretty good at not going many places. I don’t want people to be uneasy, restaurants to not be patronized because I was there, etc. And the discrimination is not as bad as those who are African American or South African are experiencing.
I’ve eaten at a total of 4 places since leaving quarantine. The last one was an international restaurant on Monday. The day after I went there, it was learned that there was a potential positive Covid-19 person who had been there a few days before I went. They contacted everyone that has been there since. The original person tested negative (if rumours are correct). However, a server tested positive.
What does that mean? I’m now going to government quarantine. I have no choice. Right now I’m waiting in my apartment to get picked up. It is concerning because I could have been exposed. I’m a little worried as I haven’t been tested yet but will know in a day or two.
If the original person they were tracking was not positive then where did the server get it? She is Chinese. And therein lies what I don’t know. International people have been tested like crazy but we don’t know how Chinese nationals are handled. I would hope it is equal. The server has been quarantined and I would hope everyone else is as well.
So the lesson is:
When other countries go back to normal, unless you have a way to track people, test them, and isolate them, you will have continual outbreaks. And isolating them does not mean telling them to go home and social distance unless you put a video monitor or alarm on their door, etc.
The restaurant I went to takes your temp, has you write down your contact info, your temp, etc. From there, the CDC now has ways of going backwards to find people. All restaurants here are required to do the same. If I test positive, there will be more inquiries into other places I have been and who I have been in contact with.
I had originally planned a much more informative post but my mind is racing a bit at the moment. I’m thinking of what else I need to pack in my bag to take with me. I will update when I can, when I have information, and especially reliable wifi.
On a lighter mood, some pictures I took of my cats and walking around Guangzhou in my free time.
Take care! I hope the test comes back positive and that you can return to your apartment in short order. I don’t go out much at all, and school keeps me all kinds of busy and I can easily work from my apartment. Luckily being at my apartment is no hardship! I haven’t been to campus for a couple of weeks but I plan on going in tomorrow to make some photocopies and pick up a few things and work for the day from my art room. It’s really nice to have that option.
Keep posting when you can, it’s great to hear how you’re doing.–Sarah
Yes I did not get dragged to a hospital so must be good news. I’ll be tested again in the 26th then released on 27 to if more good news. Being in quarantine twice is depressing. I’m going to use the time wisely do when I’m done I can go on walks without having to worry about all the work I need to do! I would rather be in my apartment but there are more distractions there…. Stay safe and love all your pictures!
Iβm sorry youβre going into quarantine. What is this type of quarantine? Where is it held and are you separated from others?
Iβm worried for you! Please let us know how you are when you can!
It is at a hotel just for quarantine and everyone had their own room. Food is brought to you. I will be here and tested the last time in the 26th then released on the 27th as long as it is negative. They keep everyone in a central area in each district to be able to test faster and monitor better. I understand the reasoning. It makes sense.
I hope your test comes back negative (COVID free). I see news reports of testing sites, although as far as I can see they are mostly not in the city, mostly in far away suburbs. The one I heard about in the city needs I think a referral from a doctor before they will test you. I believe tests exist in the US and in Pittsburgh, but I also think they are limited and by administered on a minuscule basis. I really think that the US is being governed, deliberately or not, in such an inefficient manner that opening up the country any time in the next (as least) six weeks would prove catastrophic. Yet I suspect it is inevitable.
On the positive side, your cats look as happy as cats get, and have excellent cat furniture to play with. I hope you time in quarantine is short. The scenery where you are staying is quite nice.
Thank you. China just is now testing everyone. They have sites on streets. The asymptomatic cases are causing now positive cases to spring up now that they are trying to get back to normal. There will be your and downs in rates for awhile but if the US does not increase testing your ups will be much higher
Will be thinking of you and praying for your safe return to “the outside.” Yikes! After all this, you have quite a story to tell. Be safe and best of luck that you are treated respectfully and humanely. We will be watching for your posts!
They have been very nice here but isolating as they only know a little English. My school admin can run interference for many things. It is as hard for everyone else so it is for me so no reason to be dramatic.