Concerning the Corona Virus

From Dr. E

Some background:  The Corona Virus originated in China and is now spread through most of China and is Europe, the Middle East other countries in Asia and also even in the USA.  So far 213 people have died, mostly in China, and it continues to spread. There are 10,000 plus with the virus in China and in every province of that country.  It is a virus and is spread through coughs and sneezing of a person with the virus. It can develop into Pneumonia and has been fatal. Currently It is only one case in the Philippine Islands.  She is from Wuhan, China and is isolated in a Government Hospital.  There are 19 cases in Thailand and one human to human transfer.  We should avoid traveling in Chinatown, Bangkok. In Japan there are 20 cases, of which 3 recently returned to their home in Japan from China.  

Practical Steps:  We need to be careful to follow the following instructions on the internship:  We need to (1) wash our hands and not to touch our faces, nose, and mouth unless we have washed our hands and (2) use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.  (3) A mask is necessary if one is sick but also good if in large crowds.   Traveling  in airplanes would be best with masks to avoid any and all contact with those who are ill.

Reassurance: We are flying to the Philippine Airlines on Friday on a direct, non-stop flight to Cebu.  Currently the Philippines has one case but not in Cebu.  All flights have ceased between China and  the Philippines.  We should be safe in Cebu a modern city with world-class medical facilities.  When we travel to Japan on the 17^th, we will again take precautions necessary including masks, using hand sanitizer and antibiotic soaps.

Should the State Department stay that all Americans are at  risk, and they need to go home, our insurance would make an evacuation possible, but this is not currently the case nor is it an option.  We need to take all necessary precautions to prevent any problems as outlined in this report.

We ask for you to pray for us and our protection as we continue to provide safe and secure travel and accommodations for everyone. 

Sincerely yours,

Dr. John Easterling and the ICS Team

We shall keep you abreast of the conditions and decisions for our group’s safety.

From Bev:

We care deeply for your students and will take any and all steps to ensure their health and safety.  

Our third week in Thailand flew by and most are really enjoying teaching and, even more, contact with students who are often their age.  There is some major Kingdom work happening.  Praise God!