Travelling During Covid-19 (Part 1)

Covid-19 is currently ripping through the world's population, causing major shutdowns and panic through-out. Working in the tourism industry, I know the effects it has had on the working force and people's travel plans. But what is it like travelling the world during this 'pandemic'? and how on Earth are we coping?

February 2020

Corona Virus was well known and few cases were reported outside of mainland China. This marked the beginning of our adventure, navigating through what was once a virus labelled 'caution' and now one of major worldwide reprimand. Starting in Malaysia, transiting through Singapore, it was clear that many people were taking precautions. Half the population in the airports were wearing masks, and even we were using hand sanitizer like it was a religious ritual. It was at the airports that had me first question; was I underprepared? Should I be more concerned than I am? How desperate will this situation get?

At every airport as you arrived there were common procedures. 1. As you walked through the gate towards immigration, you would be screened for high temperatures (a common symptom of Covid-19, of course only after being infectious for so long would this symptom appear). 2. The exact same question asked at every border : 'Have you been to Mainland China within the last 14 days?'. Signs were everywhere, warning people of the symptoms and to come forth if they had experienced anything like them. In retrospect, I wonder how many people would actually turn themselves in? And how effective these procedures were?

When we arrived at our accommodation, a hostel in the middle of Kuala Lumpur, it was clear that Covid-19 was something that had already affected a lot of people. At least 40% of people we met during our time there had fled mainland China before the borders had closed and had taken refuge somewhere cheap and where what many Europeans call, the hub of South East Asia. Most individuals were teachers of English in Chinese schools from either Europe, The United States, or Canada. It seemed common routine for the people who fled to say 'oh don't worry, we have been out of China for 2 weeks and haven't been sick'. At first a spark of fear would flare up inside me before a calming blanket of 'I'm sure it's fine' would wrap me up and put my concerns to rest. This, I am not sure whether was because of ignorance, blind trust or just holiday mode that enforced its care-free forces on me. Regardless, we met some incredible people with amazing life stories that I will never forget and have already collectively made plans to meet elsewhere in the world, granted we can actually get around the world.

I can say that none of the tourist attractions we went to had lines. Due to the virus many locals had mentioned that even though it was not peak season, it was quieter than usual. Most would explain that the biggest consequences of the lack of tourism was the sudden decline in Chinese tourists, who spend the most when travelling and arrive in abundance. Even so, I can't say I felt any panic what-so-ever. Masks were common but didn't seem to be a necessity at this stage, and the people who had fled China, were enjoying their extended leave/invoked holiday in Malaysia and through-out South East Asia.

Late February-March 2020

We made it into Thailand. We flew from Penang to Phuket and once again the screening and reocurring question was enforced. Although, flying into Phuket airport the screening was unmanned and I wasn't sure if it was even turned on. Maybe a scare tactic or an enforced precaution that wasn't taken seriously at this stage? I noticed less masks then there were in Malaysia as well. Putong beach was still extremely lively and even the old town was flooded with european tourists.

It wasn't until we got to the islands that the panic around the world was evident. Daily routine currently includes morning and evening Covid-19 news updates and seeing what part of our trip was going to be altered or even cancelled, our travel plans being changed almost every day. The most interesting part of the virus and the Thai Islands? Currently we are based in Koh Lanta, and there is not one ounce of panic in the air. No shortages of toilet paper or canned goods, no shutting down of schools or large gatherings. Covid-19 almost feels like a distant horror story told by flashes of social media and online news updates. A distant tale of a horrible curse affecting people somewhere far far away. We plan to continue our religious rituals of hand sanitizer and healthy living and see where our circumstances take us. So far we have not contracted the virus and hope to continue on this way.

If you have had the chance to navigate my site, you may notice that we were meant to be travelling to China. At this stage and the foreseeable future, this will not be happening. Our plan B, tactically, was South Korea before the major outbreak, of course this will not be happening either. With a few more months in South East Asia, we are hoping to travel to Europe earlier, but with so much happening at such a rapid pace who knows where we will end up. We wish everyone healthiness and safety during these hard times and our deepest condolences for those lost to the pandemic.