To escape UK amid Coronavirus fear?

[roomonthebr00m]

I'm originally from one of the Asian countries where Coronavirus is managed relatively better with high number of ICU beds per 1,000 people and a low mortality rate.

A silly thought maybe. But after looking carefully at the analysis of the government modeling published, I've got scared. I may be refused a bed as I have this condition, if I get I'll during peak. I have an underlying health issues and hearing the worst stories in Italy. Whereas in my home country I feel that at least I will have ICU bed and doctors.

My friend in the country are worried about getting it, getting ill and spreading. But they don't at all worry about not having enough beds or potentially being refused a treatment.

AIBU to fly ASAP before that country closes the boarder with Europe which looks very likely soon?

I suspect that the schools are about to close until September at the earliest.

If I had a proper home and life there I would. Not if I was going to be sofa surfing for months on end, though.

I'm with Bishy. Travelling at this point will exponentially raise your chances of catching the virus OP. Self-isolate at home, keep your kids with you and take all the precautions you can. A plane at this point is just a mess of infection.

But once I enter the country, at least I know I will have a bed, a ventilator and doctors
Do you really know though? How can you be so sure? How can you know that the virus is not going to suddenly sprayed in your country too and at the one particular time you need the bed, the hospital will be full?

And are you sure you'd be entitled to the care despite not being a resident any longer?

Your call but I hate the idea of being n a long haul flight at the moment. I'd rather just stay at home

@ThumbWitchesAbroad

All planes have HEPA filters as far as I know. They have to have them because the cabin air comes via the engines and it needs to be cleaned of oil particles, etc.

Given the cleanliness of BA's Long haul planes in my experience, they're the last airline I'd use if I was panicking like OP.

The Asian/ME carriers are leagues above BA - Singapore, Qatar, Cathay and Etihad have all been very clean when I've used them.

Will your country automatically quarantine you on arrival?
Some Asian countries are if you come from a risk area, and the UK is rapidly being viewed as risky - not because of current cases but because of the lack of measures taken and the likelihood of a high number of incubating/asymptomatic/untested cases.

Not sure OP. It's a very difficult decision to make. I'd be concerned that going on several planes right now would mean you would definitely get it. Good luck whatever you decide.
xx

The NHS will collapse in the next few weeks

No it won’t. So disrespectful to those health care professionals who are busting a gut to keep it going.

If you and DC have full rights of abode and acces to the health care there I would..

. not sure the flying is the tricky bit as most planes that are operating seem to be half empty

you wil lprobably have to go into quarentine when you get there so maybe check out how that works first...

I don't know about the UK, but my elderly neighbour has just left.

He has booked a cottage somewhere remote in the Scottish HIghlands, for 3 months.Him and a friend have loaded up the car and trailer with good food, Malt whisky and crates of wine and headed off.
My neighbour is retired, has no close family, no mprtgage on his property, no other responsibilities.
He is planning to read, eat, drink, walk in the mountains and moors, and get tipsy.

I am so jealous!

Sounds lovely!!

I and kids have full access to the state healthcare back in the country.

As of now, we would need to go through some testing on arrival and if all ok self quarantine at home for 2 weeks.

I have a larger family and friends network here in the UK. But have somewhere to comfortable stay for a few months in the other.. difficult decision indeed.

Firstly even though you’re originally from that country are you eligible for health care there? NHS works on residency not nationality. And if you need insurance are you covered - can’t get new policies now.
Also consider that if you go you may not be able to get back and there may not be consular support. This may be important depending on your situation

Our uni students are being advised that if they want to leave they can do so (but don't have to) including to home countries/internationally. If you have full health-care there, it's not a bad idea to return but consult with the airlines and your country's guidance as many are not flying from Europe now/are starting to restrict re-entry/require quarantine when you get there.

@speakout oooh, that sounds brilliant - lucky him!!

@speakout, now that's the way to do it!!! Good on him!

OP. You might have left it too late. According to the BBC Asia page many countries are now either clamping down on returners and visitors believing that they are responsible for spikes in their infections or expecting people to go into isolation on arrival.

I don't think you're at all unreasonable to think about this, OP. I just wonder about the wiseness of doing it now when there are no direct flights and the virus has spread.

So are you just expecting to turn up in another country and get access to free healthcare there? Presumably you are entitled to NHS healthcare here? Does the country you are planning to decamp to need the extra potential burden of more people, or is it ok if it’s only you and your children?

Are you planning to stay there permanently or just swap countries when it’s convenient?

*If you have the option to go BA, they have been saying that they've got HEPA filters on all their planes,....

I don't know if other airlines have the same*

All modern Boeings have HEPA filters, suspect Airbus will be the same but can't confirm.

@EatsFartsAndLeaves

Yes, I would go. The NHS will collapse in the next few weeks.

I feel embarrassed for you.
I just really hope you’re not spouting such ridiculous nonsense in front of any children

This isn't something anyone can really advise you on, OP - too many variables. It's your call!

I’d go. Friends are near Dubai and say while the malls are shut, it’s clean organised and they feel very safe.

@EatsFartsAndLeaves why are you saying things like that? They will not collapse.

Are you a doctor? Or senior in the NHS and can therefore see an overview that everyone else can't?

Yanbu

Book ASAP and go home.

I definitely would.

We left the UK 18 months ago and I'm so glad to be out at this point of time.

Don't delay!