Is it safe to work in China?

As many people are aware, China was the epicenter of the coronavirus epidemic in 2020. It was the one nation that took the most extreme steps inside its own boundaries. Right now, the situation is steady, if not hopeful. The disadvantage of these precautions was that the frontiers were locked to the outside world.

If you opted to remain in China, this was wonderful news. Schools reopened after a lengthy lockdown, and teacher pay skyrocketed owing to a teacher shortage. It's bad news if you're one of the thousands of instructors who wish to return to or visit China for the first time. Almost everyone except Chinese citizens were barred from entering China at the time.

Since July 2020, the borders have gradually opened, flights have risen, and visas have been granted. However, because to an upsurge in imported COVID-19 cases, Chinese officials changed their decision in November. While the borders have not been completely blocked, the hurdles to entering China have increased.

If you're caught in the midst, it's quite irritating, but there's a method to the madness. While COVID-19 has not been eliminated, it has been reduced to a level that permits people to live normally.

When it comes to COVID, China doesn't hold back. Returning teachers are put in centralized quarantine for 14 days (here's a Guide to Returning to China and Surviving Quarantine), and some schools impose an additional 7-14'stay away' rule. Instructors have reported that stringent constraints have been imposed on teachers, students, and parents. These methods have proven to be beneficial so far.

It is no more stressful to teach and live at COVID - China than it is to do the same at home. In fact, because of the absence of COVID instances, it is perhaps less stressful.

Even with these constraints, it is safe to claim that life has reverted to something like what it was before COVID.

China Strikes Back Against COVID

At the time of writing, China is much safer than Europe and North America since the government acted decisively early in the epidemic. Keeping this in mind, the Chinese government might modify legislation at any time. Something that the majority of Western nations are simply unable (or unwilling) to achieve.

For example, during a 21-case epidemic in the seaside city of Qingdao, 9 million persons were examined. It seems that the Chinese authorities are not leaving any stone untouched.

Furthermore, the local culture is courteous and highly adherent, so you won't have to defend your wish to wear a mask, avoid shaking hands, or maintain your distance. The majority of Chinese people do the same. There are still certain safeguards in place in the school workplace, such as social distance restrictions and masks.... and needing to clean your hands 135 times a day, but your day-to-day life will be mostly untouched.

China is one of the safest nations to live in because of the very heavy punishments for major crime. Even huge cities have a sense of security. You'd be safer roaming the streets alone after dark in China than virtually everywhere else. The presence of cameras around cities is clearly a significant crime-prevention tactic.

Petty thievery, on the other hand, is not widespread in bigger and more populous cities. Pickpockets may be seen in busy marketplaces and on public transportation at peak hours. If you are new to China, keep a watch out for tea house frauds.

Theft of scooter or eBike batteries is one of the most prevalent crimes performed against foreigners. It's not the worst thing that could happen to you, but it's a major annoyance.

It is not difficult to avoid this kind of discomfort. If at all feasible, keep your bike at home or at a prominent location inside your apartment complex. If you have a lithium battery, which is lighter (but more costly), keep it on hand and carry it with you when you park at night. Thieves love litium batteries because they are pricey and easy to hide.

Among general, keep an eye on your possessions while in huge crowds and you'll be alright. This kind of safety warning is global in scope and is not limited to China.