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Each passing news cycle seems to present further conflicting stories regarding the Wuhan Coronavirus. On the one hand, we have the, everything is fine, more people die of the flu narrative. And on the other we have, it's a weaponized virus, and it's the zombie appocolypse. Personally, I think the truth lies somewhere between the two.
As most of the people reading this are traveling in Asia right now. I have done the best I can to gather up the relevant news reports and sift through the shit, to give the facts on each Southeast Asian country.
Vietnam
On 31st January, the Vietnamese government announced that all visas to people traveling from China would stop with immediate effect. If you have been in China in the past two weeks, you will not gain entry to Vietnam
At the same time, a ban was placed on all flights to and from China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. The bans on travel between Taiwan and Hong Kong were later lifted with Reuters reporting that "political reasons" were behind the decision.
6th February, Vietnam reported it's 12th case of the Coronavirus with two Vietnamese nationals from the northern Vin Phuc province becoming infected. On the same day, reports suggest that Chinese workers in north Vietnam are being confined to their places of work and being screened for traces of the Coronavirus.
Cambodia
While most countries are closing their borders to Chinese nationals Cambodian prime minister, Hon Sen has traveled to Bejing to show his support. Reports suggest the Cambodian prime minister had earlier slammed reporters at a press conference for wearing face masks. Claiming, that panic was more dangerous than the epidemic.
The Cambodian government has dismissed the idea of airlifting Cambodian nationals from the heavily affected Wuhan region. With prime minister Hon Sen saying. "We are keeping them there to share in (Chinese peoples) happiness and pain."
Cambodia has also refused to ban air travel from China with the New York Times reporting that over 3,000 people have traveled to Cambodia since early January. As of 7th February, there have been no reported cases of Coronavirus in Cambodia.
Thailand
The Wuhan Coronavirus could not have come at a worst time for the already faltering Thai economy. With approximately 30% of Thailand's GDP coming from tourism and about 70% of those tourists coming from China.
Reports on 2nd February stated that Thailand had 25 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus. With some reports suggesting that Bangkok could be one of the cities worst affected by the spread of the Wuhan Coronavirus. It is estimated that over 180,000 Chinese nationals remain in Thailand after traveling there over the last two months.
Reports on the 2nd Febuary state, Thai Airways flights are still running between Thailand and China. Although on a reduced service, one can only assume this is a supply and demand issue.
Indonesia
When a life-threatening virus sweeps across a continent, probably the best place to be is an Indonesian island. As of writing this, there have been no reported Coronavirus cases in Indonesia.
On the 6th February, 243 Indonesian nationals from the Hubei region were flown into Natuna Island, where they were sprayed with what is believed to be an alcohol disinfectant before being placed in a two-week quarantine.
Earlier reports suggest that Indonesia has closed its borders to all Chinese nationals and those who have traveled to China in the last two weeks.
Philipines
On 5th February, the Philippines reported it's third confirmed Coronavirs case. The country has also implemented strict travel bans between affected areas.
The Philippines was one of the first countries to introduce a ban on visas to Chinese nationals. It was also the first country to report a Coronavirus death outside of China.
Malaysia
Malaysia now has 12 reported cases. With one of the latest cases coming from a man who had traveled to Singapore to meet a Chinese delegation from Wuhan. This case shows how easily this virus can spread. Just consider how many people that one man encountered traveling between Singapore and Malaysia. Now consider the reported two week incubation period.
There have also been several reports about the Malaysian government's battle with "fake news." A former New Straits Times reporter is facing a court appearance and possible jail over comments she made on her Facebook page. The comments stated that 1,000 Chinese nationals had entered Malaysia and that a state of emergency would only be announced if Malaysia's finance minister contracted the Coronavirus. If convicted, the Facebook poster faces up to two years in jail.
Summary
If you are traveling in Southeast Asia, I would love to hear from you in the comments below. Are you concerned? Have you already jumped on a plane and left Asia. Please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
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