The Looming Shadow of Corona Virus

Enough people have asked me that I decided it was time to write something in my blog about the Sabbatical and how it might be impacted by the current situation with regard to the Corona Virus.

What will happen?   The short answer is, "I don't know."

Right now I am a bit more than 9 weeks out.   LOTS could happen in nine weeks.   The virus could taper off as warm weather approaches (though most organizations are assuming it will not.)  The pandemic could become so ubiquitous that travel doesn't make a difference.

But basically my thoughts are the following:

If I can go, I will go.   This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and it runs out at the end of the summer when my granddaughter goes to school and I need to be home for her in the afternoons.   If I am well, and if the countries I plan to travel to let me in, I'll be there.

If I am well:

I am doing everything I can, from frequent hand washing, to washing surfaces, to keeping my distance from people, to stay well.  I will on travel, too.    I ordered antiseptic towelettes to wash off surfaces in hotels and hostels.   I'll carry some masks (I have a few that I bought a few years ago) in case they are needed.   I'm practicing not touching my face and social distancing as part of just being a pastor.    If I become unwell in Israel or Europe, I have travel insurance and will follow up on whatever is recommended.   As I write this, Israel, which has some of the most restrictive rules on incoming travelers,  is requiring self-quarantine for visitors, but as the virus spreads and testing widens, this may be modified.   In any case I will not get on a plane sick, and I will do what I can to prevent my germs getting in other people's space.

If they let me in:

Not sure this will happen.  Right now where I am in Central PA has none of the virus, but that could change any minute.   Some countries (Israel in particular) are being quite strict on travelers, others are not.   Right now, Italy is out (and I had planned close to two weeks there) as well.

Alternatives:

1.   Not travel - not good.  Kind of blows the whole thing out of the water.
2.  Travel, but remain flexible.   Avoid virus hot spots.   Maybe I spend an extra week in the Holy Land, and an extra week in Malta/Switzerland/England if I can't go to Italy.    Maybe I do the Luther Trail instead of the Jesus Trail if I can't go to Israel.    I'm researching alternatives now.  I have noticed that while the CDC is recommending travel restrictions, the WHO is not.  They consider them ineffective except occasionally at the beginning of an outbreak.  It is, I think, an advantage that my travel is largely solitary (and a disadvantage that it relies so heavily on hostels.)

So there it is, my current thoughts.   Things will change, I am sure, so stay tuned.

And pray.