Is It Safe for New Zealanders to Travel to China?
With the recent news that China is under the current coronavirus pandemic, there is naturally great concern about whether or not it is safe for New Zealanders to travel to China. A recent survey of New Zealanders revealed that nearly two-thirds of respondents said they wouldn’t visit China in the near future, while another 25% would only go if it was essential.
This uncertainty is understandable, given the current events in China. However, experts suggest that it is still not a complete no-go for New Zealanders, with plenty of safety measures put in place to ensure secure travel. All New Zealanders travelling to China should take cautionary steps in order to avoid contracting the virus.
Travel Advisory by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) issuance a travel advisory on their website, issued on 8 March 2020. According to this advisory, “New Zealanders should only travel to China if absolutely necessary, and if it is safe to do so.” MFAT further outlined that “most parts of China, including Beijing and Shanghai, remain relatively safe“ and acknowledged “there is no risk of contracting the virus in other parts of China”.
Key Mitigation Measures and Advice
MFAT provided some key mitigation measures that New Zealanders should follow if travelling to China. These include staying up to date with the latest advice from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Chinese government, monitoring news reported by the Chinese media, and registering on the public ‘HealthCode’ app. They also implied that travellers should ensure they have access to air quality monitoring devices, as well as face masks if travelling to higher-risk areas.
Suggestions have also been made by Xinhua News Agency, the official news agency of the People’s Republic of China, that airlines should offer ‘airplane cabins’ with separate safety zones or limited passenger numbers, and provide masks along with greater disinfection practices.
Understanding the Political History of China
In order to understand the current situation in China, one needs to understand the nation’s political history. Through decades of turmoil, Communist Party of China has implemented various socioeconomic reforms, alleviating poverty and promoting internationalisation. China has taken some drastic steps in order to strengthen their nation and remain at the forefront of global politics.
Since the virus broke out, Chinese President Xi Jinping has taken assertive action in the form of quarantining entire cities and introducing laws to limit the spread of the virus. In fact, China has introduced some of the strictest requirements in the world for foreign travellers. All foreign arrivals have their temperatures checked multiple times during transit and, if they fail, they are taken to designated hospitals for testing. This goes to show that China is doing its utmost to control the spread of the virus.
Health Practices
As mentioned before, Chinese authorities have implemented stringent measures to help stop the spread of the virus and to protect national citizens in particular. This includes encouraging everyone to wear masks in public, as it can significantly reduce the risk of asymptomatic spread and keep the public safe. Furthermore, business premises, public transport, hotels, and other shared spaces are being regularly disinfected.
Citizens have been urged to regularly wash their hands and to maintain social distancing if it is safe to do so. These recent health practices are part of a much larger effort to reduce the impact of the pandemic on China’s social and economic infrastructure.
Advice for New Zealanders Travelling to China
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has offered the following advice for New Zealanders travelling to China in the near future:
- Stay informed about the current situation by checking official news reports.
- Follow the guidance from the Chinese authorities.
- Be aware that the Chinese government has put in place safety measures to contain the virus, and familiarise yourself with these.
- Make sure that you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place.
- Be aware of the health practices in place in China.
- Be aware of high-risk areas and avoid travelling to them.
- Only take essential trips to China.
The coronavirus pandemic has significantly impacted travel to and from China, with the Chinese government enacting travel bans and restrictions on international travellers. Worldwide, airlines have been forced to cancel flights which has had an effect on the global economy, with international tourists being the most heavily affected. As such, it is important that people look into official advice before making any decisions concerning travel to or from China.
The Chinese government is expected to take further action to try and control the situation. This has included the closure of tourist attractions and postponing of major sporting events. While the situation is fluid and ever-changing, the Chinese authorities have put in place a range of measures to help travellers remain safe.
Other Precautions to Take
Other precautions to be taken when travelling to China include avoiding crowded areas and wearing face masks when out in public. Public transport should be avoided or used with extra caution. Any foreign visitors from New Zealand who are feeling unwell should seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
In addition, travellers should be aware that there are strict quarantine requirements in place for people arriving from New Zealand which could make it difficult for travellers to return to their home country. It is highly advisable that travellers ensure they have adequate medical coverage for any medical expenses incurred while in China.
Economical Impact
The global pandemic has had a significant economic impact on the tourism industry in China, with businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions all feeling the effects. The central government has introduced a wide range of measures, including relief funds and interest rate cuts, in an effort to support businesses during this tough period. new Zealanders should be aware that their spending during their visit to China could help stimulate the local economy.
Despite the current situation with the coronavirus, New Zealanders still have the option to visit China safely. Through following official advice from the Chinese government and taking a few extra precautions, travellers can lessen the risks associated with the virus and ensure that their visit to China remains a safe and enjoyable one.
Travel Disruptions
One of the biggest concerns for those looking to travel to China is the potential for travel disruptions. Airlines are offering flexibility for passengers looking to change their flight or even cancel it due to the evolving situation with the virus. Additionally, travellers should check the latest entry requirements before arriving in China, as the situation is constantly changing.
In terms of accommodation, some of the major hotel chains are offering discounts and longer stay options so that travellers have more options to choose from. Travellers should also look into any relevant travel advisories or warnings issued by their home country before going ahead with their trip.
Online Resources
The Chinese government is providing a range of online resources to those looking to travel to China. This includes information about the current situation and any new policies implemented by local authorities. Additionally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade offers a range of useful resources that can help travellers stay informed of the latest developments. These online resources make it easier for travellers to remain updated and make informed decisions when planning trips to China.
Assessment of the Risk
The risk of travelling to China is clearly much higher than normal under the current circumstances. For those looking to visit China, it is important to assess the risks and benefits of doing so. It is highly recommended that travellers stay informed of the situation and take the necessary precautions when travelling. Additionally, all travellers should be aware of the current risks and take the appropriate steps to protect themselves during their trip.
Promoting Responsible Travel
Despite the current situation in China, many of the attractions remain open and safe for tourists. The government is actively taking steps to ensure tourists remain safe while visiting these attractions, and travellers should make sure to adhere to the guidelines laid out by the government. Additionally, it is highly recommended that travellers act responsibly when travelling and help to promote responsible travel practices.
New Zealanders travelling to China should also familiarise themselves with the local culture and customs. This will help ensure that their trip to China is an enjoyable one and that they can have a memorable experience in the country.
