Hartlepool man prepares to go back to work as life gets back to normal in China

Thomas Magson, 30, will begin a phase return to his job as a teacher in Guangzhou from Monday.

But he told how the encouraging situation in Guangzhou was still tempered with all sorts of conditions for anyone who can get out of their homes in China.

“After 11 weeks of online teaching, I have finally been given a date for a return to work with a staggered return from Monday.”

Thomas is hoping the UK can follow suit in the weeks to come as he would love to have his first Christmas with his family in Hartlepool for four years.

But a return to work is a boost in what has been a difficult journey for people in China.

“The journey has not been straightforward especially in the last few weeks,” said Thomas. “Guangzhou has recently reported a handful of cases which has not only seen a crackdown on testing but in particular on foreigners.

“After a confirmed case in a local popular expat bar, I was tested for Covid-19 twice over seven days and even after testing negative on both occasions, I was told to self isolate in my flat as a precaution.

“The country has continued its strict measures to ensure another severe outbreak of cases does not occur. Masks are still to be worn in public, temperature checks are taken everywhere and updated health checks are required on a weekly basis.”

We first told of Thomas story in China last month and how the restrictions were having an effect.

Guangzhou is one of China’s largest cities and also statistically one of the worst affected areas by the virus outside of Wuhan.

Thomas added: “The city has continued to monitor both the health and movement of residents but the vast majority of shops, bars and restaurants are continuing to operate as normal.

“Restrictions in terms of public and leisure facilities have also continued to relax and I have been able to train once a week again with my local football team.

“I also managed to visit my best friend in Beijing for a weekend with domestic flights and public transport still functioning.”

Thomas has kept in touch with family and friends back in the UK and told of his hopes to get back to Hartlepool by Christmas.

“I have spent the last few festive seasons in Australia, Thailand and Sri Lanka so it will be nice to sit around the table with my family for the fest time in four years and enjoy a proper Christmas in Hartlepool!”

He also had a message for Hartlepool Mail readers and said: “As much as it is frustrating, people are probably finding themselves doing things they would not usually have time for such as baking, being creative and keeping fit by exercising on a daily basis which is great.

“Try to stay positive and hopefully the lockdown messages will begin to relax after this three-week extension.”

For the latest coronavirus updates, case numbers and inspiring stories, visit the Hartlepool Mail website.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you