Wednesday, April 29, 2009: Swine Flu and Rumors (UPDATED April 30)
Category None
Bookmark :
Dear Bethany Families,
We have received inquiries about the many rumors circulating due to the global Swine Flu epidemic. At this point, CCAA has not made any official announcement to agencies about suspending the sending of paperwork (i.e. referrals, LOA, Travel Invitations, etc.).
CCAA did, however, post on their public website (as well as the private portal) that all Travel Invitations issued between March 1 and April 30 will have a longer validity date (in the event that the respective Province delays the adoption registration) and that all current travel plans should be delayed until further notice. If families decide to travel they should be aware of the symptoms, report them immediately and not be allowed to visit orphanages (to reduce the exposure to the children from outsiders). The prospective delays made no mention of delaying the sending of paperwork.
On another note, related to travel... we recently announced the Shanghai Camp of Hope for mid-May. This trip for our two social workers was canceled due to the orphanage not desiring any external exposure to their vulnerable children. We anticipate rescheduling this trip and project in the near future.
May 1 is the “International Labor Day” holiday celebrated throughout China, and therefore, CCAA has a regular scheduled holiday (offices closed). We anticipate receiving an update later next week.
When we learn any new information as to if/how the Swine Flu may affect any portion of your adoption process, we will post the information here. Please check back for updates.
We pray for those affected by this epidemic and the vulnerable children that continue to wait for their families.
Blessings,
~The China Team
Bookmark :
Dear Bethany Families,
We have received inquiries about the many rumors circulating due to the global Swine Flu epidemic. At this point, CCAA has not made any official announcement to agencies about suspending the sending of paperwork (i.e. referrals, LOA, Travel Invitations, etc.).
CCAA did, however, post on their public website (as well as the private portal) that all Travel Invitations issued between March 1 and April 30 will have a longer validity date (in the event that the respective Province delays the adoption registration) and that all current travel plans should be delayed until further notice. If families decide to travel they should be aware of the symptoms, report them immediately and not be allowed to visit orphanages (to reduce the exposure to the children from outsiders). The prospective delays made no mention of delaying the sending of paperwork.
On another note, related to travel... we recently announced the Shanghai Camp of Hope for mid-May. This trip for our two social workers was canceled due to the orphanage not desiring any external exposure to their vulnerable children. We anticipate rescheduling this trip and project in the near future.
May 1 is the “International Labor Day” holiday celebrated throughout China, and therefore, CCAA has a regular scheduled holiday (offices closed). We anticipate receiving an update later next week.
When we learn any new information as to if/how the Swine Flu may affect any portion of your adoption process, we will post the information here. Please check back for updates.
We pray for those affected by this epidemic and the vulnerable children that continue to wait for their families.
Blessings,
~The China Team
