Actually arriving in China

Health is a very important topic and concern in China. Because we were working with teachers from all over the country and on a campus with students from all over, everyone was VERY concerned that the "foreigners" not bring in the H1N1 virus (Swine flu). The precautions taken were almost unbelievable!

1st of all, we were not allowed to have any physical contact (handshakes, hugs) with anyone who already was in the country. In addition, a record was kept of the taxis we rode in, any hotels we stayed in, etc. Before we were allowed off the plane, people in white uniforms and hospital masks boarded and took our temperature. One of our teammates (on a different plane) had a temperature and spent the next week in isolation in a hospital. His only other symptom was a runny nose, but he tested positive for H1N1. The three other teammates on his plane were sent to a hotel and isolated in separate rooms for 7 days. They weren't allowed to have the AC on because the ventilation system might spread any germs they were bringing into the country.

After we arrived on campus (at 1 AM), we could do nothing until we took a shower to remove any surface contamination. We then were confined to our building for seven days from when the last person arrived -- that meant eight or nine days for some people. We were completely confined and only allowed to use a covered patio outside one door, We set up tables on the patio and had meals brought in for the whole time. I'm sure the cafeteria workers who delivered the food in masks were very concerned for themselves! They had fenced off any access to our building to make sure we didn't "escape" and no one accidently wandered into our area.

While in quarantine, we had to take our temperature twice a day to begin with, but eventually only once a day. I was in charge of making sure all 35-40 of us got recorded each day, which was quite a challenge. We also had to have our bathrooms "sanitized" twice a day, along with all doorknobs, etc. and for the first day or two we even had to wear hospital masks. For most of the week, we were in good humor and greeted each other with "Dzong" or "unclean", but as you can imagine, we had quite a celebration on "release day"!

This whole thing sounds quite bizarre -- and it was -- however, it provided an amazing bonding experience for the team and several "returnees" recommended a period of isolation be included in future trainings. Since the program is now located in the city, it is very easy -- and fun -- for the facilitators to go off campus regularly. I don't believe we would have developed such a close team without that time spent together. It reminds me of the Bible story of Joseph and his brothers. The brothers meant it for evil, but God meant it for good.