As most will know, China was the epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. Its was the one country to take the most drastic measures within its own borders. The situation right now is stable and even optimistic. The downside to these measures was having the borders closed to the outside world.
This was good news if you decided to stay in China. Schools returned after an extended lockdown and salaries soared due the shortage of teachers. Bad news if you were one of thousands of teachers wanting to get back or come to China for the first time. During this time, China was closed to almost everyone except Chinese nationals.
Since July 2020, the borders opened slowly, flights increased and visas were issued. However in November, due to increased imported COVID-19 cases, Chinese authorities reversed their decision. While the borders have not closed entirely, the obstacles getting to China have mounted.
This is very frustrating if you are caught in the middle, however there is method with the madness. While COVID-19 has not eradicated, it’s at a level that allows people to live normally.
When it comes to COVID, China doesn’t pull any punches. Returning teachers are placed in centralized quarantine for 14 days (here’s a Guide to Returning to China and Surviving Quarantine) and some schools are also enforcing a further 7-14 ‘keep away’ rule. Teachers are reporting strict regulations being placed on teachers, students, and parents. So far, these measures have been effective.
Teaching and living in COVID – China is no more stressful than doing the same at home. In fact, it’s arguably a less stressful due to the lack of COVID cases.
Even with these restrictions, it would be fair to say life has returned to a resemblance of what it was pre-COVID.