School trip to China

[FarquarKumquatsmama]

If you were a teacher and you were meant to be accompanying a school trip (exchange) to Shanghai in 6 weeks, would you go?

definitely not.
and I'd guess that many of the parents will withdraw their children from the trip too, insurance or not. I would.
money does not compare with the value of a child's life/welfare.

I’m fairly laid back about these things normally, but under these circumstances, I wouldn’t go, and I wouldn’t let my child go either. Who knows what the situation will be in 6 weeks, not a risk I’d take.

I'm not someone to panic about things, but as a parent I'd be seriously considering withdrawing my child from this trip.

I hope it’s bloody cancelled. I am a single parent and have immune issues. It’s way more than I bargained for when I agreed to go.

Surely the travel insurance would be sky high? I would not go, as things stand at the moment.

I would pull out, but it would be more to do with the flights than being in Shanghai. I think the risk of people having been in contact with infected people flying in & out of China is high enough to concern me with the air circulation on flights.

What’s the schools policy if the parents withdraw the children at this stage? I’m guessing not refunds’ unless the school cancels the trip. So you might find lots of parents are waiting for that to happen, but if it doesn’t I expect many will withdraw the kids at the last minute (or before the final
Payment). So they might not need anywhere near the staff anyway! Maybe the lead teacher & the Head can take the 2 kids that are still allowed to go!

No, definitely not, sorry.

I hope it’s bloody cancelled. I am a single parent and have immune issues. It’s way more than I bargained for when I agreed to go

DO NOT GO. it's NOT worth taking the slightest risk that’s in your situation. Not for a bloody school trip.

No, I wouldn't!

There have been two definite cases in Shanghai at the moment.

And they've closed Disney in the area so I imagine other tourist attractions will follow suit.

I don't think it would be sensible of the school to go to be honest. Every day there are a few more and, unless something drastic happens in the next 6 weeks, I would imagine WHO will recommend limited travel to China unless it gets under control.

At the moment the FCO don't have any advice about not going to Shanghai, just to Hubei. They might still cancel though, it depends how much they value the views of their teachers and if the insurance covers cancellation - in my experience it only covers cancellation when the FCO advice changes; we had this last year when we were booked to go to Sri Lanka.

Interesting the responses in this thread compared to the other one where everyone is saying they are not worried about the virus; it is no worse than a common cold etc.

I am not sure that I could even get out of the trip if I wanted to - a flight has been booked and paid for in my name and a visa application too.

Just read this: "China to halt all domestic and international group tours, state media says

The decision will come into effect on Monday, the report in CCTV said, citing an announcement from China's tourism industry association, which said group tours within China had already been paused on Friday."

I am not sure that I could even get out of the trip if I wanted to - a flight has been booked and paid for in my name and a visa application too.

As you have an immune system issue can you get a letter from your doctor or consultant saying they don't recommend that you go? In your circumstances I'd be refusing to go.

Interesting the responses in this thread compared to the other one where everyone is saying they are not worried about the virus; it is no worse than a common cold etc.

Well yes, I'm not particularly concerned it will turn into a worldwide pandemic and kill millions in the UK.

Actually going to near the epicentre of the outbreak in loco parentis of other people's kids isn't something I would be thrilled about.

They are very different questions.

Surely the parents of the children booked on the trip will have similar concerns?

I wouldn't be surprised if the FCO issues advice against non-essential travel to China before the 6 weeks is up.

This.

Just read this: "China to halt all domestic and international group tours, state media says

The decision will come into effect on Monday, the report in CCTV said, citing an announcement from China's tourism industry association, which said group tours within China had already been paused on Friday."

Thank you. Have tears of relief. Can you link to this quote?

Sorry - forgot to put the message copied from SmellMySmellbow in bold

It's on here:

www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-51249208

also There is coronavirus all over China now

If I was immune compromised I definitely wouldn’t go. Unless can you get some antivirals from Gp to take before you go?!

I found it here www.independent.co.uk/news/health/coronavirus-news-live-china-new-year-latest-symptoms-virus-uk-france-australia-a9301271.html

fjreflycaramel Thank you. Your idea of visiting the doctor was also one I had thought of and will Follow through if necessary.

My Dd is home for a visit but is due to return to her studies in Beijing in jusr42 weeks. She fully expects her trip to be cancelled.