Stopping travel from China
In light of the escalating novel coronavirus pandemic, many countries have taken the decision to temporarily ban most travel from China to their countries. It is understood to be in the interest of containing the potential spread of the virus.
Authorities around the world, including the EU, Japan, Canada, India, and Australia, took this necessary step in order to protect their citizens’ health. The decision has been deemed unanimously as prudent and well-thought, although it has also caused numerous delays and problems to air traffic.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued travel warnings for those countries that have reported cases of the virus. The organization has advised against all non-essential travel to China as well as the special administrative areas of Hong Kong and Macau. The National Institutes of Health have conducted studies and issued advisories about coronavirus.
More specifically, the World Health Organization (WHO) has cautioned all governments that have taken such a measure to thoroughly consider the potential long-term implications for the global health and well-being of their citizens.
The experts have called the decision to stop travel from China “a powerful tool” to contain the pandemic. By doing this, the governments aim to prevent possible nationwide outbreaks and stop the virus from further spreading overseas. This would help to protect more vulnerable populations that could be at higher risk of severe complications.
Scientists have noted that such a measure taken together with the proper health precautions could potentially help to slow down the outbreak. Furthermore, it could allow the healthcare professionals to prepare the health system for a possible widespread epidemic.
Finally, it has been stated that stopping travel from China is an important and necessary decision in order to protect the safety of both subject countries and foreign travelers. This has been recognized as a sound and even necessary public health measure, while international travelers have experienced serious inconveniences.
Political implications of stopping travel from China
Apart from the health implications of the travel ban, the political implications of it are also evident. The nations implementing such a measure face a multitude of criticism and stand to suffer potential reputational harm.
Having to defend the decisions taken leaves governments and representatives in a precarious position. Moreover, public opinion is likely to be divided on the matter. Apart from the palliative effects of stopping the further spread of the virus, there is no guarantee that such a crippling measure will result in tangible effects.
With an unknown future, it is difficult to predict the full extent of the decision. However, most countries that have taken such a step have done so with the aim of reducing or managing the potential risk of a more serious pandemic exteriorizing from influential countries such as China.
Experts point out that it is crucial for countries to coordinate efforts in order to effectively manage the epidemic. Different nations should not take strong direction unilateral actions nation at the cost of others and should instead strive to cooperate towards a more global solution.
As such, it is emphasized by representatives and international organizations alike that it is not advisable for governments to take decisions that could hinder or negatively influence international relations and cooperation. Possible risk to global safety should be handled with the utmost care and carried out in mutual understanding of both parties.
Effectiveness of stopping travel from China
The effectiveness of the decision to stop travel from China in reducing the spread of the virus is the main point of contention both on the political and the medical level. Does it stand to benefit or hinder the overall result?
Various experts in the field have argued that the travel ban has not been conducive to its overall purpose, citing the potential likelihood of infected people travelling in other ways to third-party countries. While this is a correct point, it is also the case that the risk of exposure might decrease significantly by limiting and monitoring travel.
The opinion that such a measure is sufficient is not shared by the majority of those in the medical field, as the virus can spread in other ways besides travel.
It is argued that even if such drastic actions are taken, it is possible that infections will still occur due to close contact with those already infected by the virus. The high risk of further infection in the countries that have closed the borders to China is still present, and the measure needs to be taken with the maximum possible caution, alertness and administration.
There is great dispute about the potential success or failure of the travel ban. While many sides argue that it has created a tighter net by which the virus is contained, others believe that there is still a great potential risk of further infection.
Economic implications of stopping travel from China
Unfortunately, the ban has also had major economic implications, particularly for those countries that have a greater dependence on foreign investment or coming from China.
The tourism industry has had a massively detrimental effect in the countries that have either restricted access or completely blocked it off – a figure that has greatly aggravated with the spread of the virus.
Both Chinese citizens and travelers from the mainland have severely decreased their spending, resulting in serious financial losses, not just for those countries, but for multiple sectors and companies depending on them.
For some companies it has meant total ruin, while others bend under the pressure of having to remain profitable with fewer clients and customers. This has led to a major reshuffle in the service sector in those countries, closing shops and businesses permanently and leaving many people jobless.
Apart from serious economic pressures, many people and families have had to face great uncertainty due to the sudden decrease in spending. Although the hope is for the situation to improve, it is difficult to predict how much of the losses could be recovered.
Health implications of stopping travel from China
Although there is still uncertainty as to the effectiveness of the travel restrictions, some health implications are already evident.
The sudden rise of infections in different countries all over the world signals the virus’ high spreadability; something that can be further encouraged by any form of overseas movement.
Thus, it can be argued that the travel restrictions have discouraged people from going to work, studying or vacationing for an extended period; something that could be considered a positive result in the battle against the epidemic.
However, the potentially positive effects of such a decision might prove to be negative in many cases, depending on the situation vis-à-vis the virus. For instance, stopping travel from China may mean that some people and families get separated, unable to reunite; at least until the situation settles.
Finally, there are numerous medical implications of such a decision. The disruption of supply chains for essential medical items such as masks and other protective items might cause a dent in the local healthcare system should the worst become reality.
Public opinion about stopping travel from China
Public opinion on the decision to stop travel from China is generally divided. On the one hand, many citizens understand the care for public health that such a measure entails and sympathize with those affected by it.
On the other hand, people have argued that such a measure carries a heavy price tag, both socially and economically; a price that may not be worth paying in order to contain a possible outbreak of a virus.
The lack of clarity in terms of the success or failure of the measure is another point of contention among those occupying public office and representatives. However, most experts in the field of public health have recognized the dangers and potential risks associated with the virus and how it might spread overseas.
Finally, public opinion on this topic differs based on the degree of connection of the public with the affected countries. Those who have friends, family or special ties with China may be more accepting or less of the recent decision, while those who have been more distant in the past are more likely to understand or sympathize with the measure.
