Choosing to stay in Beijing during this tumultuous time is not an easy decision for many of us. As more friends leave for their home countries (some permanently) and colleagues cannot return to China from their overseas holidays, the question that is always lingering in the back of our minds is ‘are we doing the right thing?’
The pendulum swings back and forth between peace and anxiety – due to, may I suggest, what we have read on the media or in WeChat groups? It doesn’t help when our own home countries begin implementing travel restrictions, which the World Health Organization is advising against.
Usually a normal bustling street, now eerily empty.
The mass exodus of foreigners continues, but there are still plenty of us chooseing to remain. Women like you and me, who are making decisions not just for ourselves, but for our families. So to the one who has chosen to stay, despite all the unknowns, we want to tell you that you are not alone. We are with you.
It’s a hard thing to explain for me because it’s kinda simple in my mind. We stay because we are already here. This is our home. If we were gone, I would stay gone, but since we are here, we’ll make the best of being at home.
Yes, we considered hoping on a plane a few days ago but it didn’t seem to make sense. What would we do? Go self-isolate in a hotel or someone else’s space for 14 days with two young rowdy children? No thank you. I’d rather be in the comfort of my own home during already uncomfortable circumstances.Stephens parents are older. My mom is about to have knee surgery so it also seems unkind to possibly take an illness that has been affecting older people to them – even though they would indeed welcome us at any time, in any circumstance. They are being ridiculously supportive of us which is so helpful. No one has panicked yet and they are dealing with the crazy American media!!
- Shelby, husband, 2 kids (age 6 & 3) and a dog.
We’ve made decision to stay in Beijing for now and to try to weather out the storm. Our decision was not an easy one but based on several careful risk assessments and, hopefully, correct assumptions. We’re living in a strange bubble of alternative reality. There is a strange serenity in our bubble. A step out of normal life, like living on a desert island. It’s also very sobering to live through this at close quarters and it makes you think about priorities. I don’t think it’s a badexperience for my children. They will remember this for the rest of their lives. I hope we haven’t made the wrong choice.- Dominique, husband, 2 kids (age 14 & 11 years) and 2 dogs.
First of all, my husband and I both thought that staying here is the safest option for us and that it's not smart to go back to Germany as there is more chance to be infected on the way to Germany - it definitely wouldn't be good for our family members if we were to inadvertedly infect them. Secondly, my husband and I met each other in Beijing, our daughter was born here, we want to win this war with all the Chinese.- Cher, husband and daughter (age 2.5 years)
There was a point when I almost bought tickets for myself and my kids to fly out that same night. I was struggling with the thought of being stuck at home by myself with my kids (my husband is travelling), when I could be in my home country enjoying the beautiful summer, swimming at the beach, hanging out with family. But when I weighed this up against what I know as the facts about the situation, leaving the country would have been a very large, unbudgeted, unnecessary holiday which doesn’t line up with our family’s financial goals. Additionally, should myself or the kids be exposed to the virus on the plane – we could spread it to my home country, and given the age and health of my parents, they would be at risk of more severe symptoms and complications.- Rebecca, husband and 3 children (age 8, 6 & 5 years)
My family has remained in Beijing so far but it has not been entirely our own decision. We are waiting for the arrival of my husband‘spassport which should be here any day. This has made decisions simpler for the time being.
Embrace today, stay informed, make big decisions when we have all the facts available. Have an exit strategy ready should we need one. Decide on when we would implement it in terms of life in Beijing. What would make us leave? Definitely no access to food and skyrocketing numbers of infections in Beijing. The road barricades and two temp checks don’t make life more convenient. On the other hand the possibility of catching the virus on the plane or airport and infecting our elderly mother in UK is a big con. There are also many pros for staying - our community has come together and people are being very supportive.- Marlena, husband and son (age 8 years)
In 2003, I was working for BJU when SARS hit. It was confusing and scary, but we all know from experience that it was handled poorly, unlike this time around. China is really doing everything it can to keep the virus contained by asking everyone to stay in and take care. It makes sense, and I honestly don’t feel frightened at all. My family and friends are limiting their exposure by staying home.It has been an interested process, to be completely relieved of work, social activities, etc. Now, it’s just enjoying each other’s company, and being creative about how we spend our time together.- Jess, husband and children (age 7 & 3 years)
Over the next few days we will be hearing more from some of these women as they share their experiences of living in Beijing during this 2019-nCoV outbreak.If you have a story you would like to share, please send a message to the WellWomen official account.
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