Flights canceled, borders closed, health care strikes, ethnic discrimination, test kit shortages, epidemic or pandemic – there is a crisis and navigating the complexities of the Coronavirus will take caution, patience, and flexibility. The virus had terrible timing to hit during the largest movement of people on the planet and combined with poor oversight, the virus has now spread to 23 countries with 17,000 lab-confirmed cases and over 360 deaths. In comparison to other infections, this virus is still in its infancy. SARS only hit 8,098 people and MERS only about 2,500. The H1N1, otherwise known as Swine Flu, killed 285,000 which is still less than the normal flu which occurs every year. Approximately the flu sends about 700,000 people to the hospital every year according to the CDC.
Now the Coronavirus is getting the attention it deserves in China, and across the rest of the world major precautions are in effect. Having been in the States for the last three weeks on school visits, most schools were operating business as usual. Please know that schools are taking appropriate actions by providing support to current students. Many boarding schools are encouraging students to monitor their health, requesting students to stay healthy and if not feeling well visit the school infirmary or doctor.
With several holidays coming up (Presidents Day and Spring Vacation), schools are also providing solutions for Chinese students who may otherwise have no place to go. Schools will either allow students to stay on campus or provide tours or other opportunities so students have solutions. Obviously, students will not be able to travel home. Please know that schools take your child’s health and welfare seriously.
As many have heard, there has been an increase in racism and bullying usually sparked by fear and anxiety. Schools are taking the necessary precautions to ensure that students feel safe. Diversity is an important part of a school’s culture, and ensuring students’ emotional wellbeing is paramount. All schools do not tolerate any form of racism or bullying. Faculty have been instructed to be alert to any behavior that is not supportive to the overall community, making sure that students feel safe. Students are also encouraged to let trusted faculty know if they feel unsafe in any way, either by word or deeds.
Looking ahead, families currently seeking places in the US for summer school or for placements in the coming school year, it is important to not let emotions and fear deter future plans. Schools will not decrease or close admission to summer programs or to next year’s class for Chinese students. The same can be said of colleges and universities.
Having said that, it is also prudent to have several plans in place. Plan A should be to remain focused on moving forward with the current course of action. Plan B may most likely involve being flexible with summer plans in the event that restrictions remain in place, particularly if a summer program requires a student visa (F1).
As with any crisis, it is important not to fall prey to rumor. Anxiety creates fear, fear creates supposition, supposition creates misinformation, misinformation creates more anxiety. Rely only on trusted sources of information. While schools do not want to be bombarded with phone calls and email, they are posting updated information on their websites. Please be aware that if you have a student at a school currently, they too are feeling anxious. Be supportive and help them focus on what they need to do – be healthy, do well in school. If you are anxious, they will be more so. Please know they are safe and well-taken care of. That is what schools do. You have entrusted your child to their care, they take that responsibility very seriously.
Be safe, stay healthy. Be united in maintaining calm and we, all of us, will get through this together.
Hamilton Gregg is the founder of International Educational Consulting and has worked in education since 1985. He helps students and their families understand their personal and educational needs and find the right school to meet their requirements. If you are a student or parent who would like to ask Gregg a question on our blog, please email hsgregg45@gmail.com
Photos: chinausfocus.com, itv.com, Hamilton Gregg
