Just the 67 more cases on the cruise ship today 285 altogether.  It has to be going around the air con system surely.  

Originally Posted by: Ally Pally Snowman 

i think numbers wise it’s all hypothetical. My concern was the last sentence of the piece I guess!

Originally Posted by: bowser 

In all seriousness, I'd cancel.

Originally Posted by: Quantum 

I have just returned from a 2 week holiday in Cambodia, with a few nights in Singapore either side. I’ve avoided this thread for the entire duration for my own mental health. 

I feel completely healthy and have shown no symptoms for the whole of my trip, touch wood. I will of course do the sensible thing and monitor my health for the next 2 weeks, and if I show any sign of fever or cough I’ll self-isolate myself for a minimum of a fortnight and seek medical advice if necessary. 

A few points of observation from my trip away.

• Everything was functioning completely normally throughout, including all transport networks.


• A lot of people were choosing to wear masks, but not all, I’d suggest about 40% were in public in Singapore, far fewer in Cambodia. 


• Singapore was on this virus like a tramp on chips. I had my temperature checked frequently, including checking in to all hotels and even when ordering drinks at a bar. Hotels were also asking for detailed information of where we had been previously, even as fine details as airline seat numbers, just in case they had to assist with any contact tracing.


• Singapore Airport was conducting mass temperature screening for everyone both departing and arriving into the country. 


• Singapore seemed quiet at the end of the trip with tourist attractions a bit more solemn, and a few events cancelled, but night life areas still extremely busy. 


• Cambodia has only one confirmed case which ironically is fewer than here in the UK (albeit we have to be careful with this number as it’s possible Cambodia could be underreporting). 


• I DID NOT have my temperature checked at either Frankfurt or Manchester airport on my return home. No screening WHATSOEVER. On this basis I have much more confidence in the Singapore authorities for managing this outbreak. 

In terms of my own efforts, I carried alcohol gel at all times, applied it frequently, and tried to avoid touching my face. It really was as simple as that. 

This brings me to my final point. The effects of this virus are twofold. Firstly, there’s the epidemiology, the science. The death rate, the window period, and so on. Secondly, and something we need to look at more closely, is the media misrepresentation and the panic this is causing, sometimes unnecessarily. Effects on mental health. 

I have to be honest with you Q. The comments you made on this forum over two weeks ago about my upcoming holiday made me feel really, really awful. I’m quite an anxious chap at the best of times, I suffer with a bit of health anxiety and your comments really concerned and upset me. It made me dread the trip. 

I’m not saying that to make you feel bad, and I have no reason to suggest it was anything other than genuine concern on your part, I’m simply saying it because it’s true. A perfect example of online communities such as these being a foe, as well as a friend.  

As a global community we really need to get a handle on the media spin, sensationalism, and media misrepresentation which has also taken hold surrounding this virus. As well of course think of those poor souls suffering so badly in mainland China. 

I’ll also say it again - I faced ZERO screening of ANY description of my return into both Germany and the UK on my return from Singapore this morning. I don’t know what other people think but frankly I think that’s a joke. 

Originally Posted by: Joe Bloggs 

 Excellent post.

On this specific point the view being taken in the UK (and presumably Germany from what you say) is that airport screening isn't worthwhile because the chance of people having display symptoms whilst in the airport terminal is very low. 

Originally Posted by: Brian Gaze 

I have just returned from a 2 week holiday in Cambodia, with a few nights in Singapore either side. I’ve avoided this thread for the entire duration for my own mental health. 

I feel completely healthy and have shown no symptoms for the whole of my trip, touch wood. I will of course do the sensible thing and monitor my health for the next 2 weeks, and if I show any sign of fever or cough I’ll self-isolate myself for a minimum of a fortnight and seek medical advice if necessary. 

A few points of observation from my trip away.

• Everything was functioning completely normally throughout, including all transport networks.


• A lot of people were choosing to wear masks, but not all, I’d suggest about 40% were in public in Singapore, far fewer in Cambodia. 


• Singapore was on this virus like a tramp on chips. I had my temperature checked frequently, including checking in to all hotels and even when ordering drinks at a bar. Hotels were also asking for detailed information of where we had been previously, even as fine details as airline seat numbers, just in case they had to assist with any contact tracing.


• Singapore Airport was conducting mass temperature screening for everyone both departing and arriving into the country. 


• Singapore seemed quiet at the end of the trip with tourist attractions a bit more solemn, and a few events cancelled, but night life areas still extremely busy. 


• Cambodia has only one confirmed case which ironically is fewer than here in the UK (albeit we have to be careful with this number as it’s possible Cambodia could be underreporting). 


• I DID NOT have my temperature checked at either Frankfurt or Manchester airport on my return home. No screening WHATSOEVER. On this basis I have much more confidence in the Singapore authorities for managing this outbreak. 

In terms of my own efforts, I carried alcohol gel at all times, applied it frequently, and tried to avoid touching my face. It really was as simple as that. 

This brings me to my final point. The effects of this virus are twofold. Firstly, there’s the epidemiology, the science. The death rate, the window period, and so on. Secondly, and something we need to look at more closely, is the media misrepresentation and the panic this is causing, sometimes unnecessarily. Effects on mental health. 

I have to be honest with you Q. The comments you made on this forum over two weeks ago about my upcoming holiday made me feel really, really awful. I’m quite an anxious chap at the best of times, I suffer with a bit of health anxiety and your comments really concerned and upset me. It made me dread the trip. 

I’m not saying that to make you feel bad, and I have no reason to suggest it was anything other than genuine concern on your part, I’m simply saying it because it’s true. A perfect example of online communities such as these being a foe, as well as a friend.  

As a global community we really need to get a handle on the media spin, sensationalism, and media misrepresentation which has also taken hold surrounding this virus. As well of course think of those poor souls suffering so badly in mainland China. 

I’ll also say it again - I faced ZERO screening of ANY description of my return into both Germany and the UK on my return from Singapore this morning. I don’t know what other people think but frankly I think that’s a joke. 

Originally Posted by: Joe Bloggs 

  Great post!  I’ve been home for over a week now but my experience and feelings are exactly the same as yours.  Gandalf has also just returned and shares our opinion and feelings but there are still people who would be led by the media, rather than listen to those who have experienced it.  As I said earlier in the thread, the panic is likely to be more detrimental to health than the virus itself!  

I’m so glad you didn’t listen to the scaremongers!   I bet, like me, you had an amazing time!  

Originally Posted by: Caz 

Glad you had a good time Joe and you ignored the scaremongering and the bullshit.

Originally Posted by: xioni2 

I did thanks Caz. If you have never been to Cambodia make sure you go there some day. Wonderful place and wonderful people. 

Originally Posted by: Joe Bloggs 

I have just returned from a 2 week holiday in Cambodia, with a few nights in Singapore either side. I’ve avoided this thread for the entire duration for my own mental health. 

I feel completely healthy and have shown no symptoms for the whole of my trip, touch wood. I will of course do the sensible thing and monitor my health for the next 2 weeks, and if I show any sign of fever or cough I’ll self-isolate myself for a minimum of a fortnight and seek medical advice if necessary. 

A few points of observation from my trip away.

• Everything was functioning completely normally throughout, including all transport networks.


• A lot of people were choosing to wear masks, but not all, I’d suggest about 40% were in public in Singapore, far fewer in Cambodia. 


• Singapore was on this virus like a tramp on chips. I had my temperature checked frequently, including checking in to all hotels and even when ordering drinks at a bar. Hotels were also asking for detailed information of where we had been previously, even as fine details as airline seat numbers, just in case they had to assist with any contact tracing.


• Singapore Airport was conducting mass temperature screening for everyone both departing and arriving into the country. 


• Singapore seemed quiet at the end of the trip with tourist attractions a bit more solemn, and a few events cancelled, but night life areas still extremely busy. 


• Cambodia has only one confirmed case which ironically is fewer than here in the UK (albeit we have to be careful with this number as it’s possible Cambodia could be underreporting). 


• I DID NOT have my temperature checked at either Frankfurt or Manchester airport on my return home. No screening WHATSOEVER. On this basis I have much more confidence in the Singapore authorities for managing this outbreak. 

In terms of my own efforts, I carried alcohol gel at all times, applied it frequently, and tried to avoid touching my face. It really was as simple as that. 

This brings me to my final point. The effects of this virus are twofold. Firstly, there’s the epidemiology, the science. The death rate, the window period, and so on. Secondly, and something we need to look at more closely, is the media misrepresentation and the panic this is causing, sometimes unnecessarily. Effects on mental health. 

I have to be honest with you Q. The comments you made on this forum over two weeks ago about my upcoming holiday made me feel really, really awful. I’m quite an anxious chap at the best of times, I suffer with a bit of health anxiety and your comments really concerned and upset me. It made me dread the trip. 

I’m not saying that to make you feel bad, and I have no reason to suggest it was anything other than genuine concern on your part, I’m simply saying it because it’s true. A perfect example of online communities such as these being a foe, as well as a friend.  

As a global community we really need to get a handle on the social media spin, sensationalism, and media misrepresentation which has also taken hold surrounding this virus. As well of course think of those poor souls suffering so badly in mainland China. 

I’ll also say it again - I faced ZERO screening of ANY description of my return into both Germany and the UK on my return from Singapore this morning. I don’t know what other people think but frankly I think that’s a joke. 

Originally Posted by: Joe Bloggs 

I have just returned from a 2 week holiday in Cambodia, with a few nights in Singapore either side. I’ve avoided this thread for the entire duration for my own mental health. 

I feel completely healthy and have shown no symptoms for the whole of my trip, touch wood. I will of course do the sensible thing and monitor my health for the next 2 weeks, and if I show any sign of fever or cough I’ll self-isolate myself for a minimum of a fortnight and seek medical advice if necessary. 

A few points of observation from my trip away.

• Everything was functioning completely normally throughout, including all transport networks.


• A lot of people were choosing to wear masks, but not all, I’d suggest about 40% were in public in Singapore, far fewer in Cambodia. 


• Singapore was on this virus like a tramp on chips. I had my temperature checked frequently, including checking in to all hotels and even when ordering drinks at a bar. Hotels were also asking for detailed information of where we had been previously, even as fine details as airline seat numbers, just in case they had to assist with any contact tracing.


• Singapore Airport was conducting mass temperature screening for everyone both departing and arriving into the country. 


• Singapore seemed quiet at the end of the trip with tourist attractions a bit more solemn, and a few events cancelled, but night life areas still extremely busy. 


• Cambodia has only one confirmed case which ironically is fewer than here in the UK (albeit we have to be careful with this number as it’s possible Cambodia could be underreporting). 


• I DID NOT have my temperature checked at either Frankfurt or Manchester airport on my return home. No screening WHATSOEVER. On this basis I have much more confidence in the Singapore authorities for managing this outbreak. 

In terms of my own efforts, I carried alcohol gel at all times, applied it frequently, and tried to avoid touching my face. It really was as simple as that. 

This brings me to my final point. The effects of this virus are twofold. Firstly, there’s the epidemiology, the science. The death rate, the window period, and so on. Secondly, and something we need to look at more closely, is the media misrepresentation and the panic this is causing, sometimes unnecessarily. Effects on mental health. 

I have to be honest with you Q. The comments you made on this forum over two weeks ago about my upcoming holiday made me feel really, really awful. I’m quite an anxious chap at the best of times, I suffer with a bit of health anxiety and your comments really concerned and upset me. It made me dread the trip. 

I’m not saying that to make you feel bad, and I have no reason to suggest it was anything other than genuine concern on your part, I’m simply saying it because it’s true. A perfect example of online communities such as these being a foe, as well as a friend.  

As a global community we really need to get a handle on the social media spin, sensationalism, and media misrepresentation which has also taken hold surrounding this virus. As well of course think of those poor souls suffering so badly in mainland China. 

I’ll also say it again - I faced ZERO screening of ANY description of my return into both Germany and the UK on my return from Singapore this morning. I don’t know what other people think but frankly I think that’s a joke. 

Originally Posted by: Joe Bloggs 

It's a shame that certain individuals need to feel the need to create a drama around this. I hope you enjoyed your holiday, Cambodia is a place I hope to visit in the coming years. 

I personally think the UK authorities are doing an excellent job, we've had 9 cases and 8 have fully recovered. Things could change but I do currently believe that globally we are beginning to get on top of it.

Originally Posted by: speckledjim 

  Agreed!  Cambodia was our first stop after Thailand.  We docked at Sihanoukville, which reminded me very much of India. Then Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore.  All amazing places not to be missed!

It really is a pity some people are put off traveling through the fear of viruses, when there are so many other dangers in life that we tackle every day.  They are denying themselves such a wealth of experience. Glad you experienced it though Joe!  

Originally Posted by: Caz 

Weclome back, Joe. I'm delighted that your holiday was unaffected and all went well.

Your comments about Singapore echo those that I've been making here; there has been an awful lot of misinformed scaremongering and rubbish posted. As you say, some people were being more cautious but not much more. Groups you'd expect to be more careful were being more careful - i.e. those involved in the tourism sector (taxi drivers, hotel and restaurant staff, bus drivers etc).

Singapore has a population of over 5.5 million so the 60-70 cases, mostly in clusters linked to Chinese visitors, is absolutely trivial.

Don't bother reading back but I have been accused of complacency and not grasping the alleged threat level - by people with no knowledge beyond what they chose to glean from overuse of, and cherry-picking from, the Internet.

Originally Posted by: Gandalf The White 

Yes, some amazing places.

As for risks, I've been more concerned flying over Ukraine and the Middle East/Gulf area.  I'd prefer to take my chances with a stray virus than a surface-to-air missile.

😮

Originally Posted by: Gandalf The White 

It's a shame that certain individuals need to feel the need to create a drama around this. I hope you enjoyed your holiday, Cambodia is a place I hope to visit in the coming years. 

I personally think the UK authorities are doing an excellent job, we've had 9 cases and 8 have fully recovered. Things could change but I do currently believe that globally we are beginning to get on top of it.

Originally Posted by: speckledjim 

Weclome back, Joe. I'm delighted that your holiday was unaffected and all went well.

Your comments about Singapore echo those that I've been making here; there has been an awful lot of misinformed scaremongering and rubbish posted. As you say, some people were being more cautious but not much more. Groups you'd expect to be more careful were being more careful - i.e. those involved in the tourism sector (taxi drivers, hotel and restaurant staff, bus drivers etc).

Singapore has a population of over 5.5 million so the 60-70 cases, mostly in clusters linked to Chinese visitors, is absolutely trivial.

Don't bother reading back but I have been accused of complacency and not grasping the alleged threat level - by people with no knowledge beyond what they chose to glean from overuse of, and cherry-picking from, the Internet.

Originally Posted by: Gandalf The White 

Cheers Jim, it’s a fantastic place to visit. Just a shame the long serving PM over there is selling the country’s soul to the Chinese - on this basis the port city of Sihanoukville is well on the way to being ruined by over-development. Everywhere else still beautiful though, I’m thinking of doing a thread in the photography forum. 

On topic - I really hope you are right but I fear there is a very long way to go yet. I’m genuinely baffled why I didn’t receive any form of screening on my return into the country yesterday, I think all returning flights from countries with cases in the double digits should be facing extra checks at this time. 

Originally Posted by: Joe Bloggs 

Welcome back Joe. 

I suspect other than reassurance (although for some it may have the opposite effect) temperature screening people who wouou more often than not be asymptomatic at the point of arrival would be expensive and of extremely limited worth. For example in the extremely unlikely case you were to develop symptoms in the coming days screening would have missed it. In addition screening would be better at the point of departure from a country with a high prevalence of cases (rather than after the person has spent hours on a plane).

Originally Posted by: doctormog 

That cruise ship which nobody would accept until Cambodia did, despite having no infections on board - now it transpires that there were infected passengers and the authorities are desperately trying to track all those who were on it:

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/17/world/asia/china-coronavirus.html

"Coronavirus Updates: Scramble to Track Cruise Passengers After Infection Is Reported

More than 1,000 passengers were let off the Westerdam, docked in Cambodia. As they return home to three continents, experts say containment efforts could falter.

..."

Originally Posted by: Maunder Minimum 

Unless they have very unusual border control documentation every arrival would have to give an address where they were staying.

Plus, the cruise company will have contact details for everyone on board.

Is this your latest attempt at scaremongering?

Originally Posted by: Gandalf The White 

No - what I posted was a direct quote from the New York Times!

Cruises are still going ahead in the Far East - utterly insane of the authorities to allow this.

Originally Posted by: Maunder Minimum