Copy Reference The recent coronavirus outbreak in China has drawn the attention of millions. Rapidly, this regional epidemic issue has risen to the top of the global public agenda, demanding attention from everyone in the world every day. Many friends of mine have expressed curiosity about my life in China during this difficult time.
When I first heard about the novel coronavirus disease at the end of 2019, it seemed far away from me. I had previously heard extensive news about H1N1 and H5N1. However, I had never witnessed anyone act terrified of them, and no one seemed to take the outbreaks that seriously back then. So, many people including me didn't think that this coronavirus would spread that far.
By the time the Chinese New Year holiday arrived, stern warnings about the virus were everywhere, accompanied by passenger screening at airports and subway stations. I have been working in Beijing for three years so far. My team was supposed to go back to work on January 31. But so far, management has allowed staff to work from home to prevent the spread of the virus.
At first, it was a little scary to see masks everywhere and commuter volume drop dramatically. Nearby shops were out of meat for a few days, so I bought eggs, drinking water and rice in case I couldn't buy them later. Although I was worried about the supply of food at nearby shops, I could still buy pretty much anything I wanted. So, I was fairly comfortable.
Markets and restaurants are still open. Even in this situation, shopkeepers are maintaining their regular prices. I read that some stores that raised prices of masks were fined and shut down by the Beijing municipal government.
My residential community sealed off all entrances except a small gate where only one person can enter at a time. The elderly people in the community take turn at the gate helping people check in and measure body temperature using digital thermometers. Everyone in the community has been told about safety measures and health alerts. Strangers are no longer allowed to enter. In the past, food delivery people took meals to the door. But now we must pick up deliveries from the gate.
I walk to nearby shops or the shopping mall to buy water and food almost every evening. When I arrive anywhere, guards take my temperature with a digital thermometer. I feel really safe and sound because each community is working so diligently to prevent the spread.
A senior officer at my office created a WeChat group specially to check on our health and well-being daily. When other people at the company share the latest news and information about the virus, I feel like part of the family. I work as an editor of Myanmar language content, so I keep in contact with my colleagues every day through email as I translate news and video subtitles about the epidemic, which will help readers in Myanmar understand the real situation in China.
At the entrance of the subway stations, staff check body temperatures. Shopping malls are still open as normal. Many shops inside them are still open. We can still order food online. Except for far fewer and smaller crowds than before, everything is running normally.
Famous Chinese celebrities and people around the world have recorded videos and songs to show support to the people of Wuhan. You can find them online. Although the city has been locked down for the safety of the local residents, I have a lot of sympathy for them and share their sorrow.
Although I was not born in China, it feels like my home away from home. I pray that China will overcome this situation very soon.
Recently, I read news about Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to a district center for disease control and prevention in Beijing, where he resolutely stressed commitment to winning the people's war against pneumonia epidemic. I also know about Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's visit to Wuhan. I'm sure that these appearances will encourage the Chinese people greatly.
Stay strong Wuhan, stay strong China!
Si Thu Tun is an employee with China Report ASEAN from Myanmar.
A volunteer on epidemic prevention and control in Fengtai District, Beijing, checks a citizen's body temperature at the entrance of a residential area on February 29.