The outbreak hit late January. Cities were on lockdown and people were staying in, so the streets were empty across the country. I had a flight planned for San Diego on February 1st. It wasn’t an attempt to escape. Actually, I had planned a 3week trip a month before the outbreak, so I gladly stayed on track.
The concern was that most flights in and out of China were canceled. My airline seemed like it was still active, but I kept double-checking online up until I left the house for the airport, praying for a smooth sail. At the airport, I met my colleague, Austin. Turns out, we were boarding the same flight, except he was headed to Texas with a different connecting flight.
We had some good laughs while waiting to board. I took a photo of Austin and sent it in the foreign teachers WeChat group. One friend in the group said, “You guys really Jumped ship because of the outbreak?” I replied that I had booked my flight months ago and the same with Austin. But his assumption was not far off. Many foreigners were jumping ship in response to the outbreak.
I felt relief once I boarded the plane but there was still a grain of concern: will I be allowed into US once I land? Will I be quarantined? After all, I’m Iranian and just weeks ago the US and Iran had some military exchanges.
The plane landed smoothly. While standing in the long line of US customs, it felt like everyone was trying to get their stories in check. While waiting, my dad texted suggesting me to tell the officer that I don’t work in China. I could feel my dad’s concern, but I just went in a naked uncertainty.
Finally, I stepped to the counter where the officer was waiting for me. My heart was pounding but I played it cool. The officer asked one question, “have you ever been sick?” I got nervous and replied, “Maybe.” He went on to say that if I have any symptoms of the virus to go immediately to a hospital, and he let me go.
I made it in the nick of time because the following day two things happened. My return flight to Chengdu got canceled, and the US initiated a new policy that required all travelers from China to be placed in a 14day quarantine. I felt lucky.
I took in the clean air, bright blue skies, ocean breeze, craft beer, and family, and prayed for China’s health.