COVID-19 Diaries: The Situation In Foshan, 71 Days In

Liv from England moved to the Shunde District of Foshan, China to work as an English teacher in January 2020, and soon found herself caught up in the closures surrounding the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, 1029km away. She told us what it’s been like since then.

Q: Hi Liv, thanks for connecting with us all the way from Shunde, China! When did you first hear about the 2019-nCoV coronavirus and what did you think of it then? 

A: Hello and thanks for asking me to participate! I first heard about the coronavirus during the Spring Festival for Chinese New Year. The first couple of days of the holiday were great; I was able to get out and explore my new city. Then literally hours later, I saw a news headline pop up on my phone, and the next day everything that should’ve been open for the festival was closed and police were turning people away. I thought they were making a big deal out of nothing to be honest.

How concerned are you now? How many people do you personally know who’ve been afflicted with the coronavirus?

I am concerned, but in no way am I panicking about contracting the virus. I have read a lot about it and it is nowhere near as bad as the regular flu (which kills tens of thousands of people every year). I don’t know anyone who has it yet, but another teacher from my school flew back to the UK to get tested and lie low until it calms down.

How many cases are there in Shunde at the moment of this interview? How concerned is Shunde at this point?

I don’t know at this point. A few days ago my boss gave us some statistics which said 49 people had contracted it in Foshan (Shunde is a district of Foshan) but all were mild cases. Everyone here is wary but trying to get on with it.

Why do you choose to remain in Shunde regardless?

I only moved here a month ago to start a teaching post, and I would hate to go home so soon after arriving. I have just settled into an apartment and started making friends, so I want to see how the next few weeks pan out and then re-address my decision if needs be.

Is there anything you know about the situation within China or in Shunde that has not been mentioned, or has been misrepresented, by news agencies outside of China?

Nothing specific springs to mind, but the general attitude outside of China seems ridiculous to me. Worldwide media are in danger of causing mass panic, and there seems to be little to no comparison to everyday illnesses (like the regular flu) to put it all into context.

Is there anything you know about the coronavirus that has not been mentioned in global news?

No, I’m afraid not.

What is the status of food, water and medical supplies like masks in stores in Shunde right now? And how long do you think you can last with the stock you have at home at the moment?

Everything is fine here. Initially the supermarket shelves were a bit bare but I think that was also down to it being New Year so everyone was on holiday. I’m able to go out and buy fresh produce every day.

Do you still go out? If so, what precautions do you take when, and before and after, going out?

I do, but not very much because very few places are open. I wear a mask to go to the supermarket, but I don’t bother with one when I go to the park as it is huge and green and there are rarely people around, so it’s nice to get some fresh air there.

When will you return to work? And what’s the plan in Shunde for people who need a form of income to survive yet cannot go back to work?

I return to work today! Monday 10th February. I am only training and working online though. Return to my office and classroom will be end of February/beginning of March, depending on the situation. I don’t know about anyone else, as I believe the Chinese government have stipulated that all businesses must phase back into work from today.

What will you do if you develop the symptoms of the virus? What do the officials in Shunde recommend you do?

Officially, I should go to the hospital straight away. To be honest, I would talk to my boss as she is a local and follow her advice. I would hope that I could recover from home by taking the usual flu medication and resting up, but I’ll cross that bridge if I come to it!

What will you do if the coronavirus situation in Shunde takes a turn for the worse?

If it gets really bad here then I will consider going home (UK) for a few weeks and then returning when the situation is better.

Which 3 items or people are most useful for you right now? 

I don’t think these will be what you’re expecting me to say but 1—My book, I’d be going crazy in my apartment without something to do or read. 2—My family, they are being really supportive, sending me information daily and checking up on me. 3—My boss, she has hand delivered masks to me and rings me daily to update me on my work situation.

Lastly, what have you learned from this coronavirus outbreak that you didn’t know before?

I have learned that these things spread fast!! So it is a significant reminder to always be healthy, hygienic, and aware of your surroundings. I have also learned that life is too short to sit around doing nothing all day, so as soon as this is over I’m going to get out and explore and make the most of my time here in China!

Liv plans to be a fully qualified ESL (English Second Language) teacher by the end of this year, and wants to learn about nutrition and explore China’s history, landscape and culture while at it. You can find her on www.wheresliv.com and on Instagram @livedwardss, or ask her more about the coronavirus situation and being in China using the comment box below.

Tomorrow, we will interview an expat living in Suzhou, just 609km from Wuhan. Follow the latest in our 2019-nCoV Diaries series here.

If you’re in China right now or have been affected by the novel coronavirus and would like to share information about the situation where you’re at, do get in touch with us here.

Photographs courtesy and copyright of Liv. Interviewer: Sy
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