Editor’s note: Freelance writer Hugh Kruzel travelled from Sudbury to Denver this week via Toronto’s Pearson Airport. Speaking with travelers and airport staff, he provided this account of the atmosphere at airports in Toronto and Denver.
Walk through Pearson Airport and you will see more passengers masked in a growing trend to feel secure and protected from this rapidly expanding infection.
Amazon and other platforms are reporting they are selling out of facemasks.
Worried travelers in the “D” or Domestic wing of Toronto International have donned white, blue, or green masks, but it seems more of a fashion statement than containment and control. In the Transborder zone the percentages are higher. In International, the dominant fashion accessory is the mask.
Few though have securely positioned the masks to cover both the mouth and nasal passage. More often the mask is on the chin or hung by one strap over an ear.
"Many are wearing masks, but they are often only over their mouths or snuggling under the chins. I don't get that. Why wear one if you aren't going to use it right?” an airport staffer said to me.
However, families with young children are being especially vigilant. Companies with ties to China are cancelling all non-essential travel, while Air Canada and many other airlines are suspending flights into and especially out of Shanghai and Beijing.
Air Canada’s decision affects 33 flights per week into the two cities. A typical layout Boeing 787-9 service carries up to 298 seats in all classes. On their website, at this time, Air Canada informs users the suspension will run to Feb. 29.
"I hear you make a mean cappuccino," one male customer mumbles through a mask to a barista.
I ask her about her observations of the last few days.
"Now, if someone sneezes, it seems like everyone turns to look,” the barista said. “About one in 20 travelers are wearing masks. Most international passengers from Asia or Middle East are … even the kids.”
Medical experts say surgical masks actually do little to stem the spread of viruses. Frequent hand-washing is advised. If you do use a mask, it is for one use, one person, and safe disposal is imperative.
“Contagion” a Steven Soderberg thriller released in 2011 is on the top of viewing charts because of its perceived parallels with today’s real world. In the movie, a virus starts in China and infects and kills millions around the world.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has decided the epidemic is a global emergency. While the New York Times reported Jan. 31 that 213 people have died, with more than 9,800 confirmed cases and counting. Many adjacent nations are closing, or considering closing, borders.
Britain, Australia and others are debating quarantine of their own citizens returning from Wuhan or other identified cities. The Canadian government is now chartering a plane to bring citizens home who want to evacuate. Diplomatic processes are insuring the safe arrival and departure of any who wish to leave the epicentre.
Ottawa is advising against any non-essential travel to any part of mainland China.
In China, this is traditionally a high travel period as individuals and families return home for the Lunar New Year Holiday.
Foshan is another Chinese city in lockdown. Guangdong province is the second after Hubei province to block travel in and out. Wuhan’s 11 million citizens are out of disinfectants, hand gels and soap.
Is it prudent to avoid travel at this time? This is traditionally the beginning of Sudbury’s escape to the sunshine. Local Hawai’i bound passengers, and others, on an early morning flight out of Greater Sudbury Airport weren’t going to rearrange complicated schedules and bookings that were made months ago.
Sudbury resident, adventurer and frequent flier Dona Aubin shared her perspective with me.
HK: Has the Coronavirus outbreak affected your travel plans?
DA: Very much so. I had a trip planned just after the New Year to visit friends in the Philippines then venture off to Vietnam/Cambodia and Bali. Just this past weekend — after talking with my friends — I decided to cancel this trip of a lifetime solely due to the most recent coronavirus. I was flying with China Eastern Airlines and spending a layover in Shanghai. And since then the virus is in every country, I had planned to visit.
HK: So you chose not to fly?
DA: Absolutely. I was in fact supposed to be flying to Vancouver tomorrow to spend my birthday with my twin sister. I decided to halt all my travel at least for the next few months until things settle.
HK: What about cancelling plans? Does that have some financial impact?
DA: Most definitely. I haven't had any difficulties with the hotels and my main flight from Sudbury to Cebu City, Philippines, but I lost money with the tour company I planned my visit to Vietnam, Cambodia and Bali. The most disappointing and exhausting thing has been trying to hear back from the Customer Care Team at Hopper, the app I have used for many of my travels over the last few years.
HK: You take many trips. Does this outbreak feel different?
DA: I consider myself a frequent traveller. This past year I have travelled — all for pleasure — to Barbados (three times), New York, Newfoundland, Las Vegas, Chicago, Florida, The Yukon, British Columbia and Mexico. I feel the same way I would have if I was travelling as much when other virus outbreaks occurred. I wasn't travelling during SARS and MERS or Ebola. This hit a little too close to where I was travelling. I think it would be important when viruses like the coronavirus and others are circulating that flight attendants also demonstrate to passengers the proper way to sneeze (into your elbow) when they are doing their safety demonstrations. I see too many people who do not follow this and it's not only unpleasant but now unhealthy and potentially life threatening. They could also remind passengers about proper hand-hygiene.
HK: Can you describe what you are afraid of?
DA: I would not describe it as fear, but as extreme caution. I'm not a business person who needs to travel: travel is my passion. Well health is your life, and if you're not healthy you can't travel or at least enjoy what travel brings. So I decided it's better to be safe than sorry; even if the risk is minimal.
So far there are only three confirmed cases of coronavirus in Canada.
Hugh Kruzel is a freelance writer in Greater Sudbury.
