The last week has brought no relief with Coronavirus. The cases and deaths continue to climb. Flights are still getting canceled. More places than ever are now on lockdown. But we continue in whatever way we can.

Travel Problems

I mentioned in my last post about backpackers needed to decide about staying or going. Most backpackers have now either returned home or have decided to wait out the virus. I am in the latter group. Most international flights have already been canceled. I expect that the remaining flights will continue flying for the time being.

In Australia, the state governments have closed most state borders. The only way to cross borders now is with special permission. Even with permission to pass, the government requires most travelers to isolate upon arrival for two weeks. This rule means most backpackers need to remain in their current city until this ends.

For the backpackers that are debating about staying or going, they are asking themselves the same questions. “Will I make it home, or will my flights be canceled?” “Am I safer in this country where the cases are not as high as home?” “If I travel home, will I put my family at risk?” “Do I have enough money to hold me over until this ends?” The answers vary for each person, but these are the decision making questions.

Some Backpackers are still Partying…

In the past week, I have seen two kinds of backpackers. The first group is the backpackers that are struggling to figure out what they should do. These are the ones that are following all government rules as best they can. The second group is the backpackers who see this as another party. They are still going out in groups, drinking and spreading fear of safety for others. These backpackers are setting a bad name for the rest of us because they just don’t care.

I understand the struggle that everyone is facing, so I get why some people want to get out and have fun. But our current situation does not allow for that. The hard part is getting how serious this is through their thick skulls. These people only care for themselves. They are not worried about getting sick because they believe they will be fine. Because they “will be fine,” they don’t care if they get someone else sick.

I can’t speak for everywhere, but in Cairns, the police are starting to issue fines. The last visit they made to the hostel, they mentioned that the penalties for any individuals not complying will be $1,400 each. Even this threat does not seem to be stopping them. I have a feeling until the police fine one of the partiers; they will continue in their party ways.

Other Restrictions

The stores are pretty much the same right now. There are still heavy restrictions on product purchases. Some items are still unavailable: toilet paper, sanitary wipes, hand sanitizer, and pasta. Security guards are throughout the stores to make sure shoppers follow the social distancing rules. No more than two people now.

Australia has not issued a full nationwide lockdown, but we might as well be there. The new restrictions are no more than two people together, with the exception of family members. Travel outside of the home should be essential. The police are checking now to make sure people are leaving for essential reasons.

USA Recommendations

The last piece of news, I just received this morning. I have been receiving daily emails from the Mission of The United States of America to Australia (I enrolled in STEP for these updates). The update today said: “U.S. citizens who live in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period.”

I still have an additional six months left on my current visa, and I should be able to apply for one more year. For my visa, I know I will be okay for as long as this lasts. My biggest problem will be the financial side, but I am determined to get around that as well. One way or another, things are going to work out. Hopefully, we will reach the peak of Coronavirus soon and start to see improvement.