So we initially planned to stay in Shanghai for Chinese New Year but husband surprised me by booking flights to Cambodia for a week. And I am so relived he did, I’m not gonna lie, I am so grateful for a week a little further away from this new coronavirus.

The airport was spookily quite, extra people were on the health screening station and every single person was wearing a mask. But all felt normal and we safely boarded our flight in our own masks.

The last few days have been a little anxiety ridden and full of questions. Would the airport still be open? How can we protect the boys? How worried should we be? Is everyone ok? Is anyone we know already sick? What happens if we get sick? What should we do for the best? How many people are sick now? How quick is it spreading?

The husband on the other hand is not concerned at all and is so laid back about it all, so perhaps I am over worrying? His track record for reacting to worries however is not great… when middle man went floppy at a couple of weeks old, the husband was sure there was nothing wrong! In fact it was suspected meningitis. But I digress..

My mum first told me about the virus a few weeks ago but since it has been announced it can spread via the air things have got a little crazy. I can not criticise anyone’s who I have dealt with, response so far. Information appears to be free flowing, certainly we are getting many messages of advice, everything from what kind of masks to wear to the location of hospital with testing facilities. There is obviously a degree of uncertainty but overall the response, at least in Shanghai, seems to have been calm and appropriate.

Things have progressed very quickly once the first confirmed case in Shanghai occurred. Yes business ran out of hand sanitizer and masks pretty quick but I don’t know anyone who was without. People have shared their stocks and pharmacys are sending out message about when new stocks were in. Almost immediately everyone was wearing masks and sanitizer gel was available in almost every food establishment.

Any buildings associated with confirmed cases were closed immediately for deep cleaning and other venues such as Disney and cinimas choose to close as a precaution. Our school has announced the campus will remain shut for at least two weeks after the break providing virtual lessons instead. The people and the organisation I have had contact with are taking it seriously and like I said seem to be taking appropriate action.

I don’t know what is happening in Wuhan and to be honest the idea that a whole city has been put into quarantine is scary. I really feel for those trapped and can only hope the stories of humanity which keep appearing on social media can help those who need it. Those medical staff and all dealing with the epidemic center deserve all the support and gratitude the world can provide!

I remember with SARS not really getting it, it seemed so far away and so unconnected to my world. I certainly did not get the enormity of it. But now maturer (in someways anyway), more connected and more well travelled, I cant help but understand how interaleted we all are and hence be so moved by the stories coming out. Humans can be fantastic, let’s hold onto that in what looks like a testing time ahead.

So with relief for my family, excitement for further travels in Cambodia, prayers for all effected and a large amount of worry for those still in Shanghai I am truly grateful for the opportunity to again explore new places.