• COVID-19 Diaries: The Situation In Daegu, South Korea, 89 Days In

    Ariel Soon from the United States travelled to Daegu, South Korea earlier this year to start a new job, only to find herself right in the epicentre of the COVID-19 outbreak in South Korea. She told us about the situation around her, 1451km away from Wuhan, China.

    “To be honest, I don’t think any country is handling this crisis very well.”

    Q: Hi Ariel, thanks for connecting with us all the way from Daegu, South Korea! When did you first hear about the 2019-nCoV novel coronavirus and what did you think of it then? 

    A: I first heard about it when I was in the United States getting ready to move to Daegu. I didn’t really pay much attention at the time since the virus seemed to be mainly in China. When I actually arrived in Daegu, there were only about 30 cases here in South Korea.

    How concerned are you now? How many COVID-19 cases and related deaths are there in South Korea at the point of this interview and do you personally know anyone who’s been infected with COVID-19? 

    I’m getting more concerned about it each and every day, especially now that it’s up to 2,000. I don’t really know anyone here, so, no, I don’t know anyone personally who has been infected with COVID-19 yet. 

    "A cafe with a sign in the window indicating they were closed due to the coronavirus."
    “A cafe with a sign in the window indicating they were closed due to the coronavirus.”

    How did most of the cases in Daegu get infected anyway? Are there any notable clusters apart from the Shincheonji church cluster, or is that the only known cluster there? 

    As far as I know, Shincheonji is the main cluster here in Daegu.

    Can you tell us what you know about the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony? Why do people call it a cult and what is it about their activities that has enabled the virus to spread widely between its members? 

    I really don’t know much about Shincheonji, other than what I’ve read on major news outlets, that the followers crowd together and aren’t allowed to wear anything on their face, including masks, and people assumed that Patient 31 just had a cold, which is to imply that she was symptomatic at the time.

    How has life changed for you since the coronavirus outbreak in Daegu? What are you no longer allowed to do and what extra are you expected to do to keep yourself and your community safe? 

    Well, I haven’t been able to start working yet, and I don’t know when I will be able to. I always wear a mask whenever I go outside, and I don’t take public transportation. I would like to visit cafes and linger around, but I have been avoiding them. A lot of the cafes here in Daegu are closed, or they only allow you to order Take Out. 

    What else do you do regularly to keep healthy and safe?

    I’ve been staying indoors and avoiding contact with people. I have also been taking Vitamin C supplements to support my immune system.

    Why do you choose to stay on in Daegu regardless?

    I really enjoy being in Korea, despite all of this, and I would like to stay here with the hopes that the outbreak will get under control.

    Ariel's mask collection. "The top one I received when they were giving out free masks at a public square."
    Ariel’s mask collection. “The top one I received when they were giving out free masks at a public square.”

    What is the status of food, water and medical supplies like masks in stores right now? Where are those supplies coming in from? 

    There was an initial shortage of masks when news of the outbreak first occurred, but most pharmacies and cosmetic stores are now well stocked. They have increased the price, however. I haven’t seen any shortage of food and water, however, as all the food markets and convenience stores are all still well stocked. Deliveries are still being made here.

    Have you done anything to prepare for the possibility that the novel coronavirus epidemic in South Korea might get worse? Have you stocked up or made special plans you can execute at a moment’s notice? 

    I’m in contact with my employer on a regular basis and there are many medical clinics and pharmacies nearby. Luckily the convenience stores are still open 24/7–for now.

    "This is where I ate lunch. I was the only customer."
    “This is where I ate lunch. I was the only customer.”

    Is there anything you know about the situation within Daegu that has not been mentioned, or has been misrepresented, in global news?

    I haven’t seen that much news about the Daegu epidemic in great detail. I know some are reporting that it’s like a ghost town, but there are pockets of activity, and there a lot of businesses that are still open here.

    What do you think of South Korea’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak? What did they do well and what could have been done better?

    They should have closed its borders with China right after they found that first case. I have not been happy with the way they have handled this situation at all, but I also understand that I am in a foreign country and they do things differently here. To be honest, I don’t think any country is handling this crisis very well.

    "City buses are running but are mostly empty."
    “City buses are running but are mostly empty.”

    What will you do if you or those who live with you develop symptoms of the virus? How difficult is it to get a bed at a hospital in Daegu these days?

    I’m not really sure.

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

     Hand sanitiser, soap, mask.

    "Traffic is improving, compared to a few days ago."
    “Traffic is improving, compared to a few days ago.”

    Is there anything you regret not doing earlier?

    I don’t think it’s a question of what I, myself, could have done. This whole epidemic has to do with the community, and how do you control the behaviour of an entire community?

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

    I have admired the Korean people’s gentleness and humility in the way they treat each other. They are kind and respectful to one another, but I just keep thinking that if they were a little more stern—with China, the doctor with Patient 31 that tried to convince her to get tested for the coronavirus twice before she agreed to it—this outbreak wouldn’t be so widespread. But hindsight is always 20/20, and it’s up to the experts and public health officials to review what they got wrong this time to make sure they will be more prepared the next time this happens.

    "Hand sanitisers at an entrance to an underground mall."
    “Hand sanitisers at an entrance to an underground mall.”

    Ariel hopes to be able to continue to stay in Korea, so that she can gain some valuable experience as well as understand and learn more about Korean culture. You can follow her adventures in Korea at her blog, www.woundedcat.wordpress.com, or ask her for updates about Daegu by using the comment box below. 

    Tomorrow, we chat with a tourist in Seoul, capital of South Korea, 237km away from Daegu, to find out about the situation over there. Follow the latest in our COVID-19 Diaries series here.

    If you’re in a country that has 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.

    Other interviews with Ariel:
    COVID-19 Diaries: Daegu, South Korea, 167 Days In

    Photographs courtesy and copyright of Ariel Soon. Interviewer: Sy
    Sponsor or support the COVID-19 Diaries series here.
    If you found this article useful:


  • “Myself in the gear I put on when I go out. I’m not wearing a mask and neither are most others.”

    COVID-19 Diaries: The Situation In Japan, 84 Days In

    Christine Yong, who we interviewed last year for tips on how to achieve the perfect score at the IB, is presently an AI researcher living in Ueno, Tokyo. We talked with her about the COVID-19 situation in Japan and found out a few interesting details about the crisis over there that we didn’t read about in global news.

    “Management of the epidemic has been by Japanese bureaucrats not trained in epidemiology or medicine.”

    Q: Hi Christine, thanks for coming back on to share updates on the coronavirus disease situation in Japan! When did you first hear about the 2019-nCoV novel coronavirus and what did you think of it then?

    A: I heard about it on the news just before flying home to Singapore for Chinese New Year. I remember not thinking that I was at high risk of catching it at the time, as cases were only beginning to be reported in mainland China. I did however feel some sense of impending doom. Spreading of the virus seemed inevitable given the masses that would be travelling during the festive period. My family and friends were already advising me to wear a mask at the airport, keep a distance from those who were sick, and monitor myself carefully for flu symptoms.

    How concerned are you now that Japan is presently one of the countries outside of China with the most number of infected? How concerned is the rest of Japan?

    I am concerned enough to be wary of others around me who have flu symptoms, but I have not thus far felt the need to wear a mask in public or stock up on food at home.

    As for the rest of Japan, there is a very palpable uptick in people donning surgical masks, but this is not particularly panic-inducing as wearing face masks is quite a normal sight in Japan. No panic-buying of food has yet occurred (Japanese usually already have stashes of food and emergency supplies at home, in case of an earthquake or tsunami). However, face masks are sold out everywhere, with both locals and tourists emptying out new stock immediately. More companies (mostly smaller, and/or younger ones) are also introducing remote work as a containment measure. A ramen shop in Ueno has even decided to turn away all foreign customers, although this is one of few extreme cases of discrimination against foreigners due to the coronavirus outbreak.

    “Plum festival proceeding as usual in Yushima, Tokyo, after the coronavirus outbreak.”
    “Plum festival proceeding as usual in Yushima, Tokyo, after the coronavirus outbreak.”

    Do you personally know people who’ve been infected with COVID-19? How did most of the cases in Japan get infected anyway? Are there any notable clusters other than the now infamous Diamond Princess cruise ship?

    I do not personally know anyone who has been infected with COVID-19. So far, the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has updated the public through press releases on the number and prefecture of known cases, but it is not clear if there are significant clusters other than the Diamond Princess cruise ship—they are distributed across prefectures, with a slight concentration in the Greater Tokyo Area.

    Why do you choose to stay on in Tokyo regardless?

    Despite some shortcomings in the government’s reporting and its implementation of countermeasures, people in Japan practice good hygiene and social awareness in general. I am not so alarmed as to leave Japan and my job here because of the epidemic.

    What measures have the government of Japan imposed to keep the COVID-19 outbreak under control? What must you do and what are you no longer allowed to do?

    The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is publishing regular updates on the number of identified cases and guidance on how to maintain hygiene at home and at work. They have emphasised hand-washing, maintaining cough etiquette, and wearing masks when ill. People with cold symptoms or fever of 37.5°C or more for 4 days or more have been advised to contact consultation centres and/or their General Practitioner. Since the beginning of February, Japan has not been admitting anyone who has history of travelling to and from Hubei or Zhejiang, or has a Chinese passport officially issued from Hubei or Zhejiang. Finally, some events including those related to the Olympics have been scaled down or cancelled. Announcements and public advisories have been published mostly in only Japanese.

    How effective do you think those measures have been?

    Because the level of hygiene is good in Japan, people have simply ramped up attention to existing practices. As for containing the disease, it is not the measures’ effectiveness but the lack of certain measures or mishandling of the Princess Diamond quarantine situation that I found unsatisfactory. For example, it has been difficult to trace the spread of the virus throughout Japan for two reasons. First, for those on the Princess Diamond, quarantine and travel restriction measures after release have not lived up to infection control standards, as pointed out in a now removed video by Professor Iwata Kentaro of Kobe University Hospital. Second, entry restrictions were imposed for those associated with Hubei or Zhejiang in the 2 ways stated above, but the recently infected were people who had travel histories to other countries, namely Indonesia and Hawaii. This left many people vulnerable to unknowingly causing person-to-person infections.

    What is the status of food, water and medical supplies like masks in stores in Japan right now? Has there been panic-buying or shortages?

    Only masks have really been affected by shortages. New stocks are depleted immediately.

    “Myself in the gear I put on when I go out. I’m not wearing a mask and neither are most others.”
    “Myself in the gear I put on when I go out. I’m not wearing a mask and neither are most others.”

    Have you done anything to prepare for the possibility that the novel coronavirus epidemic might get worse? Have you stocked up or made special plans you can execute at a moment’s notice?

    Not in particular.

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

    Yes. I have not been taking any special precautions in my daily life other than wearing a mask when flying through airports, and avoiding those who appear to be ill.

    How has the COVID-19 epidemic affected your life and that of those around you?

    Only insofar as we are more aware of the need to keep hygiene standards high.

    Has the government of Japan offered any aid or relief for those whose livelihoods have been affected by the outbreak?

    A returnee contact centre has been set up for those who suspect they have the coronavirus. Other than this, the existing compulsory national insurance and public healthcare system have been responsible for providing treatment.

    Christine, out and about Tokyo without a mask.
    Christine, out and about Tokyo without a mask.

    Is there anything you know about the situation within Japan that has not been mentioned, or has been misrepresented, by global news?

    I believe that the following points have not been emphasised in global news:

    1—Lack of proper quarantine measures on the Princess Diamond.
    2—Those released from the ship were allowed to travel on public transport without further quarantine.
    3—Management of the epidemic has been by Japanese bureaucrats not trained in epidemiology or medicine.

    What will you do if you or those who live with you develop symptoms of the virus? What do the authorities of Japan want you to do?

    Wear a mask, and consult the returnee contact centre and/or your General Practitioner.

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

    Surgical masks, painkillers/anti-congestants, and news agencies.

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

    That despite Japan being a developed country with advanced research and medical capabilities, its epidemic response has not lived up to expectations. They have not matched measures implemented in other countries, especially with regards to contact tracing and quarantine measures.

    Christine will be moving back to Singapore for work later this year. You can follow her discoveries in AI at christineyong.com or ask her for updates on the coronavirus situation in Japan using the comment box below.

    More interviews with those affected by the novel coronavirus outbreak to come. Follow the latest in our COVID-19 Diaries series here.

    If you’re in a country that has 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.

    Other interviews with Christine Yong:
    How I Got The Perfect Score Of 45 For The IB

    Photographs courtesy and copyright of Christine Yong. Interviewer: Sy
    Sponsor or support the COVID-19 Diaries series here.
    If you found this article useful:


  • "On plane to Cambodia, still masked up."

    COVID-19 Diaries: Why I Left Shenzhen, China, and How

    Paul is a mature student from the United Kingdom who had been living in China for 2 years because he and his family “fancied a break from western life and culture”. He left Shenzhen shortly after the World Health Organisation declared COVID-19 to be a global emergency though and is presently residing in an AirBnB in Penang next to trees and nice restaurants. We had a chat with him about his decision to leave and found out getting out of China in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak wasn’t as difficult as we’d expected.

    “The driving factor to leave was the narrowing routes out of the country and the uncertainty of social restrictions.”

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

    A: I remember seeing something about a virus around the beginning of January but at the time didn’t think anything of it. Just another news article.

    When did you start getting more worried about COVID-19? What made you worry?

    At first it just seemed like Shenzhen was becoming a ghost town, much like it does every year during CNY. I monitored the number of infected in Shenzhen and Hong Kong and it didn’t seem too bad, so I didn’t worry. Then the British government announced that all British nationals should leave China if they can. At that point we worried more about what was happening socially than with the virus.

    "9 Square Mall closed off."
    “9 Square Mall closed off.”

    When did you decide to leave Shenzhen altogether? How bad was the situation in Shenzhen at that point and what pushed you to make that decision?

    The morning of February 5th I spoke to some friends also living in Shenzhen and they said they were thinking of joining friends in Cambodia. Hong Kong had just closed the two main MTR crossings at Lo Wu and Futian Checkpoint so the only option I knew of was to cross into Hong Kong via the road bridge at Shekou. The driving factor to leave was the narrowing routes out of the country and the uncertainty of social restrictions.

    Just to get some perspective, how many confirmed cases of the virus were there in Shenzhen at the point you decided to leave and how many confirmed cases are there in Shenzhen now?

    Confirmed cases were low and I think it’s still low now compared to other places in China. From what I’d read, the virus didn’t really concern me as I consider myself to be healthy and quite fastidious when it comes to maintaining general hygiene.

    What restrictions were in place when you left Shenzhen and what restrictions are there in Shenzhen now?

    When I left the only restrictions were to wear a face mask in public and get temperature checks upon entering any buildings. Now as far as I am aware, the apartment where I live has imposed restrictions on movement in and out of the building. Only 1 person per household is allowed out every 2 days, and then for only an hour and a half at a time.

    How difficult was it to just gather your things and go at short notice? What did you take with you and what did you leave behind?

    It took roughly 2 hours to gather 3 small and 1 large suitcase between my family of 3. Cambodia is super-hot so packing light was easy. We had to take 3 laptops for our work and studies. Unfortunately, this wasn’t a beach holiday as we still needed to work and study remotely. The rest was a few toiletries, chargers, hand sanitisers and masks for the flight.

    What about work and rent and all other matters that might tie a person down to their city of residence. How did you leave those behind?

    I am a mature student with a British university so working remotely is what I do anyway. My wife is a teacher, she still teaches but remotely as the schools are closed. My daughter studies remotely as her school is closed too. Rent and bills are paid via online banking so no changes there.

    "Children's Palace metro station. Usually very busy."
    “Children’s Palace metro station. Usually very busy.”

    How did you get out of Shenzhen and where did you go? Did you face any problems leaving China or entering other countries because of your travel history to China?

    I left China via the Shekou to Hong Kong bridge in Shenzhen. The border was busy and full of hawkers selling tickets to Hong Kong via various means. I decided to buy the official tickets and stick to the details I’d read online before coming. This was the first time I’d used this border as the usual ones were closed. Upon arrival at customs, it was the usual head scan then I had to fill out a form asking if I’d been to Wuhan or had any ill symptoms. Leaving China was easy and done via the usual E-Channel method. A short 10 metre walk and we are greeted with Hong Kong customs, another health declaration form and head scan. No questions upon entry then on to the bus to West Kowloon and Elements mall. We spent the night at my sister in-law’s apartment in Wan Chai then took an Uber to the airport where we flew to Siem Reap in Cambodia.

    What have you been doing since leaving China? Did you have to be quarantined in any other country because of having been in China?

    We decided to spend 2 weeks in Siem Reap as that seems to be the usual quarantine period most countries apply when travelling. This was our own decision though and not forced upon us by anyone. In Siem Reap it was work as usual, my wife the teacher, myself and daughter the students. For me it was easier as I’m used to working remotely but my daughter has struggled to adjust. At the weekend, we visited some old temples such as Angor Wat. We’ve now moved on to Malaysia and since we’d been away from China for 2 weeks there were no concerns about traveling anymore. Life is a little less dusty here and the broadband is much faster so easier to work.

    "Huaqiangbei Electronics Market. Not so busy now."
    “Huaqiangbei Electronics Market. Not so busy now.”

    The virus has been spreading around Asia though. Do you think there is a chance it will catch up with you once again? What will you do if that happens?

    I saw that in Korea cases are rising but as before, it doesn’t worry me too much. I monitor the news and if things start to kick off here, we’ll just leave. All our flights have been half full and cheap so getting out is not a concern.

    Do you personally know anyone who’s been infected with COVID-19?

    No.

    "Leaving China. Picture taken just before customs."
    “Leaving China. Picture taken just before customs.”

    What have you learned from this novel coronavirus outbreak that you didn’t know before?

    I’ve learnt that its far cheaper than I thought to travel around south east Asia! Our family is close, and we get on well. I’m not sure how others are coping but we are doing fine.

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

    My wife, daughter and passport! Material stuff: phone, laptop and hand sanitiser!

    Lastly, when do you foresee yourself returning to China, and what will you do if the situation in Shenzhen simply refuses to get any better?

    We’re monitoring the situation and right now it’s looking like we’ll return mid-March when the schools reopen.

    "On plane to Cambodia, still masked up."
    “On plane to Cambodia, still masked up.”

    Paul is presently working on finishing up the last year of his university studies. You can find out whether or not he returns to China by checking out his website, 6000milestochina.com or ask him for updates using the comment box below.

    Tomorrow, we’ll hop on over to Japan to find out what the coronavirus situation is presently like over there. Follow the latest in our COVID-19 Diaries series here.

    If you’re in a country that has 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 Paul. Interviewer: Sy
    Sponsor or support the COVID-19 Diaries series here.
    If you found this article useful:


  • COVID-19 Diaries: The Situation In Guangzhou, 83 Days In

    Jack, from the U.S., is a 60-year-old high school teacher at an international school in Guangzhou, where he lives with his wife and daughter. He told us why he is glad he didn’t leave Guangzhou when the coronavirus outbreak began in Wuhan, 987km away, and how life around him has been like in the 3 weeks since forced quarantine measures began.

    “You see a lot of people out in their pyjamas and lots of unwashed hair. I sometimes wonder if people are depressed. It’s been 3 weeks of this. Cabin fever takes on new meaning.”

    Q: Hi Jack, thanks for connecting with us all the way from Guangzhou! When did you first hear about the 2019-nCoV / COVID-19 coronavirus and what did you think of it then?

    A: I can’t remember exactly when, but I keep up with the news, so sometime early in January? When it first started appearing in the news.

    How concerned are you now that Guangdong, within which Guangzhou is located, is one of the provinces outside of Hubei most affected by the virus? How many people do you personally know who’ve been infected with COVID-19?

    I haven’t been concerned at all. Right now, there are just over 75,000 confirmed cases in China, but only 1,300 in Guangzhou. From what I understand there have been no new confirmed cases in Guangzhou for the past 4 days. Most of the cases are in Hubei Province which has just over 63,000.

    When it first started and we knew we’d be closing the school—I teach high school in an international school—I was a little worried about how bad it would get with memories of SARS and the bird flu dancing in my head.

    When it first started to get bad, the Chinese New Year holiday had just started. My wife and I had elected not to travel for the holiday, so we were planning to be in Guangzhou. I remember wondering if we should leave just in case. Now that the school is closed through 16 March and we’re teaching from home online, I’m glad we didn’t. It is just much harder and much more expensive to work from abroad than it is from home.

    “Empty street and sidewalk at the height of the Chinese New Year celebration. Usually the street is packed with cars and the sidewalk with flower and orange tree vendors.”
    “Empty street and sidewalk at the height of the Chinese New Year celebration. Usually the street is packed with cars and the sidewalk with flower and orange tree vendors.”

    Why do you choose to stay on in Guangzhou regardless?

    The honest truth is that I didn’t think it would affect us much. I don’t know if unconsciously, I thought that it was a Chinese thing and wouldn’t affect us non-Chinese or whether I assumed it wasn’t going to spiral out of control. I know the being a Chinese thing is irrational, but you’d be surprised at how many exceptions are made for foreigners and you kinda get used to it.

    How many cases are there in Guangzhou at the moment of this interview? How did most of the cases in Guangzhou get infected?

    According to the John Hopkins visualisation site: 1,339. I assume most people were infected in Hubei and travelled here with it. I really don’t know.

    What measures have the government of Guangzhou imposed to keep the COVID-19 outbreak under control? How effective do you think those measures have been?

    The experts say that limiting travel and contact don’t really work. I assume that they’re right, but I’m not an expert, so I don’t know. Intuitively, it sounds right, but in practice many things don’t work out as well as you think they would. Here in Guangzhou, we are encouraged to stay home. Restaurants, schools, malls, and anywhere large groups of people would gather are closed. You could be fined for being on the street without a mask—again, the experts say the masks have almost no effect on limiting the spread except that they prevent you from touching your nose and mouth, which you do a surprising large amount.

    No one can take public transportation without a mask. Apartment complexes are closed to visitors. No one who isn’t a resident is allowed in. Deliveries have to be met at the gate, and China depends on delivery nowadays. Police set up temperature check points for pedestrians and car passengers and public transportation passengers. Who knows what would happen if you had a temperature, but they check. I’ve had my temperature taken half a dozen times a day when I’ve been out. When you return to your apartment complex, they take your temperature.

    The apartment complexes here are like villages, there are thousands of people living here—fifty twenty storey buildings together. So, they have small shops in on the first floor of many of them. When I’ve gone to the small grocery store here in the apartment complex, they take your temperature. The pharmacist won’t allow anyone in his shop, he comes to the door.

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

    Masks are hard to come by. When you hear of masks available somewhere, you hurry on down to get them. Things seem to be easing up a bit, though. I guess manufacturers have put on enough to start meeting demand.

    At the beginning of the lockdown-quarantine situation, the grocery store shelves got a bit bare. Now, they are better stocked. Necessities are available. Luxury items are hit and miss. Everyone drinks bottled water here. Usually it is delivered in large 18 litre jugs. But, deliveries stopped and the grocery stores couldn’t keep up with demand. We started re-filling bottles at the vending machines.

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

    I’ve been out every few days. There are no real prohibitions about going out, not like there are in Wuhan. There just isn’t much to do out there. Things have started loosening up this week. For example, restaurants were allowed to reopen today (Saturday, 22 Feb).

    I wear a mask if I leave the apartment. You’ll see some people wandering the apartment complex maskless, but the one time that I forgot, I was descended upon by passers by and reminded that I needed a mask. I assume that it was out of kindness because being a hapless foreigner, I might not have understood the rules.

    In the apartment complex, you see a lot of people out in their pyjamas and lots of unwashed hair. I sometimes wonder if people are depressed. It’s been 3 weeks of this. Cabin fever takes on new meaning.

    When I get home, I use hand sanitiser immediately and then wash my hands.

    “On the street at 5:00 PM last Thursday, 19 February. Usually there is a rush hour traffic jam.”
    “On the street at 5:00 PM last Thursday, 19 February. Usually there is a rush hour traffic jam.”

    How has the COVID-19 epidemic affected your job?

    Most things are closed. Like I said, I teach high school. We’re closed through 16 Mar. We’ve been teaching online, which is a lot harder than in the class, especially since the increase in internet usage has affected connectivity. China blocks many teacher-friendly sites like YouTube, so using a VPN is a must to reach them. But, recently, China stepped up its vigilance on VPN usage, so that made teaching online that much harder.

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

    Like most things on the news, it’s not as bad as it sounds. It only makes the news if it’s bad. The boring day-to-day stuff doesn’t get shown. Honestly, most people have stayed home and made do.

    “The delivery drivers setting up for deliveries just inside the gate to the apartment complex.”
    “The delivery drivers setting up for deliveries just inside the gate to the apartment complex.”

    What will you do if you or your family develop symptoms of the virus? How difficult is it to get a bed at a hospital in Guangzhou these days?

    Every time you cough or have any soreness in your throat, you wonder whether this is it, but if we get sick, we’ll go to a clinic and hope for the best. Guangzhou is one of China’s major metropolitan areas. It has an official population of 13 million, but it sprawls all the way to Hong Kong. With just over 1300 infections, we are not taxed at all.

    What will you do if the COVID-19 situation in Guangzhou takes a turn for the worse? Have you prepared in any way for the situation taking a turn for the worse?

    We have a small stock of water and food. I guess we’ll leave if we’re able. I follow the advisories from the US and Canada. I’m American, my wife is Canadian, so we keep up with those. If they advise leaving, we’ll go.

    What are the best and worst examples of humanity you’ve seen since the novel coronavirus crisis broke out?

    There really hasn’t been a change that I could see. I took a DiDi (the Chinese equivalent of an Uber) the other day. I coughed behind my mask, and I thought the driver was going to throw me out. Otherwise, it has been no different than on most days. I met a woman at the door to our apartment building with 3 large packages and 1 on the ground. I opened the door and helped her in with her packages. I was trying to load an 18 litre water bottle into my little grocery trolly and kept catching it on the lip of the fabric. A woman hurried over to hold it open for me.

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

    Just before the lockdown-quarantine started, we had a case of wine delivered. Thank god. Not that we’re big drinkers, but it has been nice not to worry about it. We play lots of board games, so it’s nice having them to occupy our time as well as the PS4 and computers. The apartment manager has been very supportive. He’s helped us get masks, for example. And, we’re pet-sitting for people who are away, and I’m happy having their birds, hamster, and turtles in the house. They are entertaining and add routine to the day.

    Lastly, what have you learned from the COVID-19 outbreak that you didn’t know before?

    The Internet and social media really have changed everything about our daily lives and how we interact.

    You can see more of Jack’s thoughts at thepsyoflifeblog.com or chat with him about the situation in Guangzhou using the comment box below.

    Tomorrow, we’ll talk with an expat, also from the Guangdong province, who elected to leave China when the COVID-19 outbreak first began, to find out what he thinks of that decision now. Follow the latest in our COVID-19 Diaries series here.

    If you’re in a country that has 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 Jack. Interviewer: Sy
    Sponsor or support the COVID-19 Diaries series here.
    If you found this article useful:


  • COVID-19 Diaries: The Situation In Zhongshan, 81 Days In

    Mag is a Chinese citizen, living in Zhongshan in the Guangdong province of China, 1088km from Wuhan. We had a chat with her to find out about the coronavirus situation in Zhongshan and was surprised to find her more busy with work than usual.

    “Business has even gotten better now because people are more aware of health issues. I am even more busy than usual, working from Monday to Sunday non-stop.”

    Q: Hi Mag, where do you live? How long have you been staying home since the novel coronavirus outbreak started?

    A: I live in Zhongshan, a city in Guangdong. I can’t remember when we began staying home. It was probably during the Chinese Lunar New Year (25 Jan). We had bought a lot of food for the new year so we just stayed home. However, I went to the supermarket once on 15 Feb because we were running out of food.

    How many cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in your city? What measures have been taken in your city to avoid further outbreaks?

    There are 62 confirmed cases here. Since 5 Feb, the city implemented a series of measures to restrict the mobility of people. For example, a lot of facilities such as cinemas/karaoke joints/online game centers were forced to close. People are not allow to go out if they do not wear a mask. Besides, only one family member can represent the family to go out to source for food and supplies, once every 2 days. Every time you go out of a certain area, you need to show a pass to the guard and the record would be logged.

    The pass required for going in and out of the villages in Zhongshan.
    The pass required for going in and out of the villages in Zhongshan.

    Who are these guards? Who gets selected to be guards?

    For villages, normally it would be the committee members in the village who would be assigned the job to control people going in and out of the area. For small communities in the city, the job would be carried out by volunteers. The main roads or highways are guarded by the police.

    Can you briefly describe how it was like the last time you went to a supermarket?

    It was quite crowded at the supermarket. Everyone wore a mask. The most popular thing was rice. Everyone bought at least two bags of rice and one full cart of other stuff.

    The back of the pass required for going in and out of the villages in Zhongshan. Exit records will be logged at the back of the pass.
    The back of the pass required for going in and out of the villages in Zhongshan. Exit records will be logged at the back of the pass.

    What do you do at home these days?

    Since I work for an insurance company, I can work at home with the computer. Business has even gotten better now because people are more aware of health issues. I am even more busy than usual, working from Monday to Sunday non-stop.

    When will you physically return to work?

    There is no announcement from my company yet. Hopefully we can make it in March.

    Tomorrow, we’ll chat with an expat in another part of China’s Guangdong province to find out how similar his situation might be over there. Follow the latest in our COVID-19 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 Mag. Interviewer: Kauai
    Sponsor or support the COVID-19 Diaries series here.
    If you found this article useful:


  • COVID-19 Diaries: Perspective Of A Self-Employed Person In Singapore, 74 Days In

    The Amateur Trader, who prefers to be known only by his online handle, is a self-employed person based in Singapore and is presently supporting 2 babies, a wife, a flat and a car on a single income. We had a chat with him to find out how the COVID-19 might affect his financial situation over the next few months and got some unexpected answers.

    “The stupid person will ask how much this is going to cost me. The smarter person will ask how much I can earn from this.”

    Q: Hi The Amateur Trader, thanks for coming on to share your perspective. When did you first hear about the 2019-nCoV / COVID-19 coronavirus and what did you think of it then?

    A: I heard about it in Jan. The first thing that came to mind is concern because my family is in the medical and healthcare sector and also, my wife was due to give birth so I was imagining the logistical issues it could create.

    But I also reminded myself, that a crisis in general (not specifically of this scale), also presents opportunities to profit, as I have seen before.

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

    I am concerned for my kids. Of course my family is personally affected too, being in healthcare. But in the financial markets (and I speak with regards to stocks), trends are emerging and if you are systematic and nimble about it, it does present opportunities to profit. So financially at least, that’s not so bad.

    You identify as self-employed. Can you explain what that means and describe how you earn a living?

    I am working towards multiple income streams to earn a living. Stock investing and Options Trading is just one of the means.

    How has COVID-19 affected the above? How badly have your regular sources of income been disrupted?

    It has affected sources of income of course. It’s bad… but because I am working towards having multiple streams, I know it could be worse. Currently, as of Feb 2020, the most regular source has so far been the stock market.

    What have you been doing to stay afloat?

    Specifically with regards to stocks. I am going shorter than I normally would. Locking in profit as income and capital consolidation (to prepare for the next positions I take) became a priority.

    For how long do you think you can survive—financially and physically—if things continue as they are now or get worse? Had you ever planned for such a situation?

    I have planned for such a situation. It’s the disease of being self-employed, where you know not every day is Sunday. Financially, as long as there’s a stock market performing the way it has been in the last quarter, there’s potential financially.

    A chart shared by The Amateur Trader.
    A chart shared by The Amateur Trader.

    What do you plan to do if COVID-19 brings the Singapore economy to a standstill for more than 6 months?

    I am more heavily vested in the American stock market than Singapore, so as far as financially and stock market wise, so it doesn’t make much of a difference to me.

    Honestly, it is my opinion that COVID-19 is less of an issue (in terms of stock and financial markets) than other geopolitical issues, especially the American Presidential 2020 Election in November.

    Do you think anybody or any organisation—government or private—will be helping you out if the economy continues to tank?

    No.

    How will being put on quarantine, Leave Of Absence (LOA), or contracting the virus affect your financial situation?

    It would affect my family having 2 babies. But financially, it may be better since I would have more time to monitor the stock market if I wish to do short plays.

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

    My trading platform and stock market charts.

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

    The stupid person will ask how much this (the coronavirus) is going to cost me. The smarter person will ask how much I can earn from this (coronavirus). Which one do you want to be?

    Remember that the best opportunities to make profit lies when the whole world ‘seems like it’s coming to an end’.

    My idea of fun is reading earnings reports and looking at stock charts so when this virus happened, one of the things I did was to pull out charts of the stock markets during SARS so I had a reference of how the market could move.

    I also did that in early Jan. The US fired missiles into Iran; I pulled up the stock market charts of the Afghanistan war in case the situation escalated.

    I have learnt to always remember that there is an opportunity.

    *Disclaimer: The above opinions are The Amateur Trader’s own on the day he completed this interview and should not be considered as specific investment advice. The risk of loss in trading the stock market can be substantial. Readers must consider all risk factors before trading.

    The Amateur Trader is presently working to be a better stock investor/trader by remembering always that “the pain of discipline is always less than the pain of regret…” (his words). You can get more of his wisdom on his Facebook page or share your thoughts and questions with him using the comment box below.

    More interviews with those affected by COVID-19 in Singapore and other parts of the world to come. Follow the latest in our COVID-19 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 The Amateur Trader. Interviewer: Sy
    Sponsor or support the COVID-19 Diaries series here.
    If you found this article useful:

    If you found this article useful:


  • COVID-19 Diaries: The Coronavirus Situation In Singapore, 73 Days In

    Elizabethheartz, who we interviewed last year, is a half-Taiwanese Singaporean content creator who runs an online business and shuttles often between Singapore, Taiwan and Japan for collaborations. We asked her for updates on the coronavirus situation in Singapore, 3432km from Wuhan, and found out what she’s doing to keep her business and teenage daughter healthy in spite of it.

    “If it’s fated to happen, so be it. No point over-thinking and over-reacting.”

    Q: Hi Elizabeth, thanks for coming back on LUCK-IT to share updates on the coronavirus situation here in Singapore! When did you first hear about the 2019-nCoV coronavirus and what did you think of it then? 

    A: I read about articles on it online on FB [Facebook] when it was first announced. So many people were sharing it.

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

    I have not known anyone personally that is a suspect/confirmed case. I seriously think that most people are over-reacting. The ratio of confirmed cases isn’t that alarming if you are to look at it. There are worse outbreaks happening around the world that are having thousands of deaths happening.

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

    Currently as of 12 Feb, 1200h, there are 50 confirmed cases. 638 tested negative, 125 are pending tests and 15 have been discharged. It is sad to know that there are people who try to make a fortune out of the situation, and that there are also people who are spreading fake news or unreasonable hate/bitterness. News from overseas of empty supermarkets somehow led to locals to do the same the moment we reached the orange stage [of Singapore’s Disease Outbreak Response System Condition (DORSCON)—there are 4 stages, orange being the 3rd most severe of 4 conditions].

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

    Currently some household supplies, storage food and medical supplies are out of stock at the moment. Many people are trying to import in bulk from overseas. I have yet to stock up as I usually do it once a month. Currently I have enough stock to last me a month, and longer if I use them carefully. Food and water wise, there ARE an abundance of options available; we can always buy alternatives. Mainstream supermarkets may be out of stock, but hey, try other places and smaller grocery stores. They are available (except medical items)!

    “Some shelves got swept out, but supermarkets got them replenished pretty fast in a couple of days and set a limit amount for each buyer.”
    “Some shelves got swept out, but supermarkets got them replenished pretty fast in a couple of days and set a limit amount for each buyer.”

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

    As a global content creator, yes, I do need to go out for collaborations and even travelling. As my health has been on a weaker side, my mom is very concerned and insists I wear a mask out if I’m going to places with more crowds. I’ll check that I have my sanitiser and anti-bacterial wet wipes (I always had them before the virus) with me, and bathe immediately when I reach home. I try to stay at home, as much as I can.

    You are a mother, so how worried are you about your child contracting the virus within Singapore? Are you doing anything special to keep her safe? 

    I will always double check her sanitiser and anti-bacterial wet wipes for school, and always remind her to sleep early, drink more water, eat healthy and take her supplements to maintain her immune system. It is important to educate her well.

    You are also a retailer, so how has your business been affected by the outbreak of the virus in Singapore?

    Thankfully, I closed the pop up store in Dec, so I happen to be taking a break. As my business also runs online, it is pretty easy to operate online. Currently, there aren’t any cosplay events either, so nobody is in any rush to get any costumes.

    “Orchard Road is really quiet on weekdays. I believe everyone is staying at home unless they really need to go out.”
    “Orchard Road is really quiet on weekdays. I believe everyone is staying at home unless they really need to go out.”

    Has your work schedule or conditions been affected by the coronavirus? If so, what has changed? 

    As someone who manages her own time, it did not affect much for me. I’ll just need to plan and schedule properly in advance and try to stay at home if possible.

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

    I’ll definitely go for a check up asap to avoid spreading it to others. It is better to be safe and responsible for everyone’s sake.

    “Body temperature checks can be seen at various places.”
    “Body temperature checks can be seen at various places.”

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

    I’ll heed advice that our government provides and stay calm, practice awareness and be vigilant about it. If it’s fated to happen, so be it. No point over-thinking and over-reacting.

    “It is nice to know there are hand sanitisers available at check stations too. Keeping our hands clean is very important, especially at places where more people tend to be around.”
    “It is nice to know there are hand sanitisers available at check stations too. Keeping our hands clean is very important, especially at places where more people tend to be around.”

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

    Currently its my sanitiser, mask and anti-bacterial wet wipes.

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

    I can totally understand the frustration of those who could not buy the supplies they need. However we should spread awareness, not irrational hate. Times like this, we HAVE to encourage and help one another to fight against it.

    Elizabethheartz (above) also wants to say “Stay calm, healthy, spread awareness and be positive!”
    Elizabethheartz (above) also wants to say “Stay calm, healthy, spread awareness and be positive!”

    Elizabethheartz is presently pursuing her goals of providing better for herself and her girl, as well as prioritising quality collaborations to give more value to her readers. You may spot her doing LIVE chats on her Facebook page or at Orchard Road (“Orchard is like my second home, I go there a lot due to collaborations and hanging out.”). You may also drop her messages or share your updates of the coronavirus situation in Singapore using the comment box below.

    Tomorrow, we’ll chat with another self-employed person in Singapore—who has 2 babies, a wife, a flat and a car to support—about how he is going to cope with the poor economy caused by COVID-19. Follow the latest in our COVID-19 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.

    Other interviews with Elizabethheartz:
    Why I’ve Been Cosplaying For 24 Years, and How I Get Paid To Do It

    Photographs courtesy and copyright of Elizabethheartz. Interviewer: Sy
    Sponsor or support the COVID-19 Diaries series here.
    If you found this article useful:


  • COVID-19 Diaries: The Situation In Suzhou, 71 Days In

    Marta from Spain first travelled to China as a student and ended up living there for the next 13 years after finding employment, marrying a local and having a child. She presently lives in Suzhou, in the Jiangsu province of China, 609km away from Wuhan, and recently told us all about the restrictions she’s been living with since the novel coronavirus outbreak began.

    “Residents have their temperature taken anytime they go in or out. The latest measure is that security staff check your car trunk when you drive in and out… in case you are hiding someone there!”

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

    A: I don’t remember when exactly I heard of the new coronavirus for the first time but I guess it was at the end of December, when it was officially confirmed. I wasn’t very concerned and didn’t think much about it at that moment.

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

    I am not very concerned. I think here in Suzhou the chances of being infected are quite low and, besides, in my family we are all in good health. Having said that, we are following the official recommendations and we only leave our apartment when we need to buy supplies. I don’t personally know anyone who has been afflicted with the coronavirus but there was one case in another building of my residential complex.

    “Our current supplies of masks, alcohol and hand sanitiser.”
    “Our current supplies of masks, alcohol and hand sanitiser.”

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

    At this moment there are 77 confirmed cases in Suzhou, 13 of which have already been cured and discharged from hospital. There hasn’t been any confirmed coronavirus death in Suzhou. However, the city is trying its best to avoid more infections and people are staying home as recommended. Recreational venues like tourist attractions, museums, karaokes and some malls were closed at the beginning of the outbreak and haven’t opened yet. Other measures have also been implemented as the situation evolved. For example, now it is not allowed to enter public transportation or supermarkets without a mask. Most residential complexes don’t allow entrance to anyone who doesn’t live there, including delivery staff, and residents have their temperature taken anytime they go in or out. The latest measure is that security staff check your car trunk when you drive in and out… in case you are hiding someone there!

    Why do you choose to remain in Suzhou regardless?

    Because my life is here and also because, as I said above, I’m not very worried about the situation. Besides, I think I’m more likely to get infected on a plane!

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

    I feel international news are focusing on the negatives (which, obviously, are a lot) and are not even mentioning when there’s good news. I regularly read Spanish and British newspapers and in every article the infection and death figures are repeated several times, but the recovered figure is nowhere to be seen (it currently stands at over 3x the death figure). Based on what my friends abroad have asked me during the outbreak, international news are transmitting the message that the virus is lethal and everybody is dying and that store shelves are empty.

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

    Masks and alcohol are often sold out in the pharmacy, but other times they are available and we were able to buy them. Other than that, I’ve been to the supermarket 3 times and it was always well stocked. I haven’t had any problem getting fresh produce. My pantry and freezer are still full of goodies that were sent by the companies my husband and I work at for Chinese New Year. Water is also not a problem, drinking water gallons are delivered as normal.

    “The day the Wuhan lockdown was announced, we went to a restaurant to have dinner with some friends who were visiting. We all wore masks, also the restaurant staff.”
    “The day the Wuhan lockdown was announced, we went to a restaurant to have dinner with some friends who were visiting. We all wore masks, also the restaurant staff.”

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

    I go out when necessary, for example to buy food. I put on a mask and I pack a small bottle of hand sanitiser. When I’m outside, I try my best not to touch my face in case I touched something contaminated, or I apply hand sanitiser. When I return home, I throw away the mask, hang my coat on the balcony, wash my hands, and disinfect the door knobs that I touched before washing my hands. Then I wash my hands again.

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

    I’ve been working for a week already. I always work from home but now everybody in my company is working from home too. I have no idea what the people that cannot go back to work will do but I do hope the government can provide them with some kind of subsidy. I did read that small businesses will not need to pay the rent for one month. I have a cleaning lady who comes once a week and even though she can’t come these days, I will pay her anyway because it’s not her fault and I don’t want her to have financial difficulties because of this.

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

    The last time I had a fever was 15 years ago so I would be surprised if I got sick now! If I did, I would go directly to the hospital. Pharmacies are not currently allowed to sell fever and cough medicine because anyone with those symptoms has to go to the hospital immediately to be tested for the virus.

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

    If the situation worsens noticeably, I might go back to my home country with my son for some time. But I hope it doesn’t get to that!

    “Empty streets in Suzhou.”
    “Empty streets in Suzhou.”

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

    I’ll just mention one: the Internet! It has allowed me to keep in touch with my family and friends, to follow the news and also to search for games and activities to entertain my child these days.

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

    I’ve been surprised to read about the racist attacks Chinese and Asian people in general have been suffering in Western countries since the outbreak started. What a sad thing to learn… that people only need an excuse to become bigots.

    Another empty street in Suzhou.
    Another empty street in Suzhou.

    Marta is presently focused on raising her child. You can read more about her adventures in China at martalivesinchina.wordpress.com or ask her for status updates on the coronavirus situation in Suzhou using the comment box below.

    Next week onwards, we’ll have some interviews about the coronavirus situation in Singapore and other countries affected by the virus. 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 Marta. Interviewer: Sy
    Sponsor or support the 2019-nCov Diaries series here.
    If you found this article useful:

    If you found this article useful:


  • 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.

    “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 to put it all into context.”

    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.

    “The day after the Chinese New Year festival, when everything was shut down by police. My local supermarket was bare.”
    “The day after the Chinese New Year festival, when everything was shut down by police. My local supermarket was bare.”

    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.

    “The mask I wear to go out in any public spaces.”

    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.

    “The main road through Shunde right out the mall where I work. Usually this is busy with traffic, cyclists and people socialising or going to work. Now it is pretty empty most of the time.”
    “The main road through Shunde right out the mall where I work. Usually this is busy with traffic, cyclists and people socialising or going to work. Now it is pretty empty most of the time.”

    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
    Sponsor or support the 2019-nCov Diaries series here.
    If you found this article useful:

    If you found this article useful:


  • COVID-19 Diaries: The Situation in Shanghai, 68 days in

    Greg from the USA has been living in China for over 6 years—first Hangzhou, then Guangzhou and now, Shanghai, the most populous city in China. He told us about the situation in Shanghai amid the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan 690km away, and shared what he sees on the news within China that others outside of China might not see.

    “The phrase that keeps appearing is “no other country could do this but China.””

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

    A: At this point, I can’t quite remember when I first heard about it. Every day there are articles with updates, so it is hard to keep track. I’m pretty sure it was soon after it started, which would put it sometime between January 12-18.

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

    I personally don’t know anyone who has been afflicted with the coronavirus. I suppose I’m not too concerned, mainly because I was still finishing my trip abroad when announcements of different quarantining measures were announced. As I was returning, I faced far less in terms of “extra precautions” than I expected.

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

    At the time of filling out these questions (February 7), the official government approved stats say that Shanghai has 269 confirmed cases, 25 recoveries, and 1 death.

    "Standing outside my apartment complex while the school helpers unload our "emergency" packages."
    “Standing outside my apartment complex while the school helpers unload our “emergency” packages.”

    Why do you choose to remain in Shanghai regardless?

    I really didn’t choose to remain in Shanghai, my school repeatedly told us that if it’s at all possible to return then we should make every attempt to do so. Since I didn’t encounter any hiccups on my return flight to Shanghai (I expected there to be at least a delay if not a cancellation since a number of other coworkers noted that their flights had been delayed and cancelled), there was no reason not to return.

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

    Now that is quite difficult to answer. As I wrote about in my recent blog post about this, I mentioned how the news coverage inside and outside of China are quite different and the only numbers that everyone is looking at are the numbers released by the Chinese government. Whatever we “know” is whatever we read about in articles posted on WeChat (the biggest social media app in China).

    What I can say is that inside China, what we are presented with is how fast and efficient the government has been at putting quarantine measures into place and how fast they were able to build the temporary quarantine facility in Wuhan (people refer to it as a hospital but it’s definitely not a standard hospital, it’s more like a holding facility). The phrase that keeps appearing is “no other country could do this but China.” People have also posted videos created showing the strength and tenacity of the Chinese people in dealing with this, as well as photos and videos showing how people have dealt with being stuck at home and even showcasing their resourcefulness in dealing with the face mask shortage. As for the expat community, many are hopeful and think that the media is over-hyping the seriousness of the situation, although there are still some who are more cautious about this.

    Outside of China, we see stories that also focus on the swiftness of the temporary holding facility in Wuhan, specifically news about the WHO praising China for it’s efforts. However, there are certainly more stories focusing on the “human rights” aspect of the situation, such as the initial mishandling of the whole outbreak and of the doctor (along with the other doctors in their WeChat group) who was arrested, detained, and forced to sign a confession of “spreading false rumours” and just recently died of the virus after treating others, along with cases of people being forcibly quarantined in their apartments or forcibly removed from their homes and taken elsewhere. There is also more doubt as to the accuracy of the Chinese government’s outbreak statistics.

    “Here are the supplies [from the “emergency” packages] (including the all-important cream cookies and Toblerone).”
    “Here are the supplies [from the “emergency” packages] (including the all-important cream cookies and Toblerone).”

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

    Again, that is difficult to say. There are so many constant posts and updates, it’s hard to keep track of it all. I read in an article from the website of Dr. Mercola about the bio-security level 4 lab in Wuhan that was created in 2018 and that it is located about 20miles from the wet market that is believed to be the epicentre of the outbreak. It goes on to suggest that possibly lower standards of safety and security protocol could have contributed to this outbreak, too. To my knowledge, I haven’t seen this discussed anywhere else inside or outside of China. It also seems like the situation in Wuhan is even worse than Chinese media is letting on.

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

    Food and water supplies seem to be relatively normal. I haven’t gone shopping at the local supermarket yet but coworkers who have have posted photos of their carts and didn’t mention anything about being low on items. Because it’s possible to do all of your grocery shopping online in Shanghai, I just do it that way. Those online stores I use have been low or out of stock on numerous meat and dairy items, but they expect to restock their inventory soon. So far I’ve had 3 grocery deliveries, so I’m still able to get most of the items I need.

    As for masks, those seem to be very difficult to find. Not only have they sold out in pharmacies all across China, but even in other countries. Even Amazon.com reportedly sold out of them. This has resulted in people trying to obtain whatever other masks they can, mostly surgical masks that fit loosely around the ears and don’t seal tightly around the mouth and nose. The only other concern I’ve heard from some people are those with prescriptions that aren’t sure now how to get them refilled with all the quarantine measures in place.

    “Two different face masks (one is the N95 kind, the other is the surgical mask).”
    “Two different face masks (one is the N95 kind, the other is the surgical mask).”

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

    I have only gone out once this week since I got back. I haven’t tried taking subway yet. At this point, it has become a requirement to wear your mask when out in public, regardless of where you go, but this is especially true for public transport. As of now, you won’t be allowed onto the subway if you are not wearing a mask. Food delivery drivers are no longer allowed inside of apartment complexes, although the other day it looked like mailed items were starting to be allowed back into the mail storage area. Everyone is also being told to wash their hands frequently, and even to wipe down any packages that you bring into your home. Also, whenever you enter your apartment complex the guards will take your temperature first.

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

    My school was supposed to start again in February 3, but the weekend before I returned we were told that many schools in Shanghai would be delayed by 2 weeks. As a result, our school’s IT team helped to create an online file-sharing drive for teachers to upload materials and videos to assign to the students. I imagine that other schools will probably follow something similar to this. Later this week though, they updated us to say that now many schools will not start before March.

    At my school we were paid on time but I don’t know about the other schools. It seems like it’s the training schools that are not in service, and one person I know who works at one says they have not been paid yet and is unsure what the pay situation will be. The only other thing I can think of that some might resort to if needed is to try to do some online tutoring.

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

    Knock on wood that I don’t develop any symptoms, but if I do then I will need to notify my school immediately and then check into one of the recommended hospitals they told us about. Of course, I would notify my family back home immediately and give them the contact information of whichever hospital I would be at.

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

    As of right now, it doesn’t seem like things will deteriorate since a lot of people seem to be disciplined in complying with their self-quarantine. I’m really not sure what I/we will do if things were to get worse, though. I think the food and water supply would dictate what people end up doing. I’m not sure if people would be able to leave the city easily if things got worse, so I think people would try to stock up as best they could and just wait to see how things go. 

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

    1–Masks (which are required but also in short supply).  2–Food/water/toiletries.  3–forms of entertainment (movies, games, cards, etc).

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

    I now better understand the importance of saving face here and the lengths that authorities will go to in order to save face. I also learned how tenacious the Chinese are when dealing with restrictions on travel and movement around town.

    Greg is presently still uncertain about when he will be able to continue travelling around China like he planned to. In the meantime, you can read and see photographs about his previous travels and living experience around China and Asia at www.globejournal2.com or ask him questions about the coronavirus situation in Shanghai using the comment box below.

    Next up is a young expat from the UK living in the Shunde District in the Guangdong province of China. 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 Greg. Interviewer: Sy
    Sponsor or support the 2019-nCov Diaries series here.
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  • COVID-19 Diaries: The Situation in Beijing, 68 days in

    *EDITOR’S NOTE: On 12 Dec 2020, the World Health Organisation finally gave the 2019-nCoV a proper name—COVID-19. We have thus renamed our ‘2019-nCoV Diaries’ series to ‘COVID-19 Diaries’.

    Thomas DuBois, from the USA, is presently living in Beijing, capital of the People’s Republic of China, where he works as a professor at one of China’s top institutions. We asked him how Beijing is holding up amid the novel coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan 1054km away, and why he chooses to remain in the country despite the U.S. government’s recommendation that its citizens “currently in China should attempt to depart by commercial means.”

    “I have seen enough zombie movies to know that inside is always better than outside.”

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

    A: I first heard of the virus some time in late January. I don’t remember the exact date because the news didn’t make much of an impact at the time. The severity of the outbreak only hit home when I started receiving notices from my university advising everyone to stay home. That was on February 1st.

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

    I am calm. I stay in a low density part of the city, and have loads of supplies. Stores are open and well stocked. I do not personally know anyone who has been afflicted with the virus.

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

    I believe that the current number in Beijing is around 300. I have not been following the local count as much as the national news.

    “A shopping mall in central Beijing on Feb 2nd. It's likely even more deserted now.”
    “A shopping mall in central Beijing on Feb 2nd. It’s likely even more deserted now.”

    Why do you choose to remain in Beijing regardless?

    From a safety standpoint, staying put is by far the best policy. The last place I would want to be is a crowded airport or airplane. I had planned to take research trips to Nanjing and Hong Kong but since libraries in both are closed, there’s no reason to go.

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

    I can’t speak for Wuhan, which is where much of the reporting is coming from, but there are occasional headlines about panic in Chinese cities. Here in Beijing, I see nothing of the sort. People are generally calm, there’s no hoarding, although people are concerned about having enough and the right kind of face masks. Cases of antiseptic sell out fairly quickly.

    “The snowy market was set up by a housing association, but it was overkill, since the stores just down the street were all open.”
    “The snowy market was set up by a housing association, but it was overkill, since the stores just down the street were all open.”

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

    No, I have been following the global news quite closely.

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

    Supplies are not a problem. Regular grocery stores are open and well stocked. There are no lines or hot tempers. There are occasional runs on items like instant noodles, which is related mostly to the closing of restaurants and food delivery. To avoid going out, more people than usual are getting food and bottled water delivered to their doors.

    There is concern about having the right kind of face mask. People follow this sort of news quite closely on social media. Friends from elsewhere in China have offered to send me masks if I don’t have enough.

    A photograph of Thomas in a mask with the checkpoint at the entrance to Beijing Normal University behind him. “The universities are tightly closed.”
    A photograph of Thomas in a mask with the checkpoint at the entrance to Beijing Normal University behind him. “The universities are tightly closed.”

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

    I go out at least once a day, all masked up. There’s no danger being in the open air, especially in frozen Beijing, so I go out for a long walk or occasionally a run. More important than the mask, I am very careful with what I touch, avoid touching my face, and thoroughly wash my hands when I get home.

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

    The work situation is “fluid,” which is probably all one could expect, given that the outbreak has likely not peaked. Students have been told not to return to university, and we are planning to teach courses online. I expect that we will probably be able to return to our offices within the month, but student  dormitories are likely to remain closed for the semester.

    Income will be a problem for a lot of people. Beijing relies heavily on outside labor to run, and the entire population that went home for the New Year has been prevented from returning to the city. Any manner of service industry is going to be deeply affected.

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

    I have not made a plan for getting the virus myself. Since I am well connected by social media, I would likely ask people at my university what to do, so as to avoid affecting others.

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

    I would likely continue to stay put. I have seen enough zombie movies to know that inside is always better than outside.

    “Delivery trucks and packages are more common sights than usual.”
    “Delivery trucks and packages are more common sights than usual.”

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

    —Computer
    —Cartoon Network
    —10kg hand weights

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

    I have learned how quickly a health outbreak can change people’s behaviour. When I first lived in China in the early 1990s, hygiene was a real problem. SARS and the coronavirus have done more to change daily habits than years of government campaigns.

    I have also learned that the response—at least in Beijing—has been very well coordinated and executed. There are a million things that could have gone disastrously wrong, and none did.

    An image Thomas got sent on WeChat, depicting a medicine box titled ‘Bu Chu Men’—meaning: Don’t Go Out—with ‘Usage Indications’ made of advice on how to self-quarantine and stay safe from the coronavirus. “‘Bu chu men’ is a bit of quarantine humor that's typical of how people are handling this.”
    An image Thomas got sent on WeChat, depicting a medicine box titled ‘Bu Chu Men’—meaning: Don’t Go Out—with ‘Usage Indications’ made of advice on how to self-quarantine and stay safe from the coronavirus. “‘Bu chu men’ is a bit of quarantine humor that’s typical of how people are handling this.”

    Thomas, being a scholar of Chinese history, presently still delights in being able to have the unique opportunity to work at China’s top institution, and intends to make the most of that by working extremely hard. You can connect with him at thomasdaviddubois.com, read his research work here, or ask him questions about the coronavirus situation in Beijing and China using the comment box below.

    Tomorrow, we will interview another expat living in China’s largest city—Shanghai—to understand the present situation there. 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 Thomas DuBois. Interviewer: Sy
    Sponsor or support the 2019-nCov Diaries series here.
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  • What It’s Like Being Locked Down In Wuhan During The 2019-2020 Novel Coronavirus Outbreak (Part 2)

    Last week, we asked a 30-year-old resident of Wuhan what his experience with being locked down at home has been like. This week, we find out what it’s like being a resident of the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak amid increasing global panic, racism and uncertainty.

    “I think people need to put more faith in the Chinese government. They can handle this situation.”

    Q: Thanks again for chatting with us, Icypriest. Quite a number of countries are now blocking residents from Hubei from entering their countries. Some, like Singapore, USA and Australia have even blocked all people coming from China. How do you feel about that?

    A: I am a little offended by that but I understand their reasons. And after our own lockdown, it seems that it is an effective measure to contain infections.

    There have been reports on the internet of racism towards Asian peoples and Chinese citizens triggered by the 2019-nCoV virus. What are your thoughts on that?

    I think racism in any form is wrong and there is no rational excuse for any form of racism.

    I’ve heard personal stories from friends with friends and family in China that many in China are getting bored out of their minds because of the inability to leave their homes. How has that experience been like for you and your family? What is it like not being to go out into the world like before?

    I understand their urges to go out—I have those too. It’s like being grounded by the virus. I miss all the food beside our university and I constantly tell my friends to try them all again when quarantine life is over. And I miss my friends too since contacting them online is so different from meeting them in person. I even held an online singing party on my birthday. My parents seem to have the same problems too, they hold daily video chats with their relatives and friends.

    Icypriest’s present stash of snacks. “(1) Potato chips, (2) 沙琪玛 (Sachima , Chinese egg pastry), (3) Instant noodles (for emergencies), (4) Dried mushrooms, (5) Apples, (6) A kind of oranges called 皇帝柑 (Tribute Citru).
    Icypriest’s present stash of snacks. “(1) Potato chips, (2) 沙琪玛 (Sachima , Chinese egg pastry), (3) Instant noodles (for emergencies), (4) Dried mushrooms, (5) Apples, (6) A kind of oranges called 皇帝柑 (Tribute Citru).

    How well do you think the government of China has responded to this viral crisis? How confident are you of them being able to get things under control?

    The local government has tried their best but it was slightly dissatisfactory. But when the national government was involved, the situation was a lot better. I am 100% confident the national government won’t leave us behind.

    Where do you get your information about the coronavirus from?

    There’s an official WeChat account called 武汉发布 (Wuhan announcements). Other information is from CCTV and local news, Weibo and web search.

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

    Mostly about our own lives—it’s not as chaotic as “corpses littered on streets” or “people randomly collapsing”. I posted on Reddit because I think the situation is too tense on r/ChinaFlu and there’s no other good media for me to share our actual quarantine lives online. I’d like to think I helped some people with my posts.

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

    No. But I think people need to put more faith in the Chinese government. They can handle this situation.

    “Medical masks we wore when we went out. Now that we're in complete lockdown, its only usage is for my father when he goes downstairs to throw away trash every day.”

    What have you and your family learned from this coronavirus outbreak that you didn’t know before?

    Nothing much. But I think we’ll be more cautious of our hygiene after the outbreak and fulfil our wishes as soon as we can—life is short, we shouldn’t waste it.

    What are the best and worst examples of humanity you’ve seen since the coronavirus crisis broke out?

    Best examples: people voluntarily formed groups to help the doctors and nurses at hospitals; donations of food, medical equipment and the efficiency to build up a system to transfer resources into a city on lockdown. All of those examples were not government-motivated, but done by people.

    Worst examples: a small number of people going out to deliberately infect others after getting diagnosed and people sending messages like “u dead yet?” or “go f*ck yourself” to me after my Reddit post.

    What advice do you have for others in China and around the world who are also in quarantine or locked down right now?

    Just because you’re in quarantine or lockdown doesn’t mean you can let your guard down. Keep personal hygiene up and wash your hands as frequently as you can. Food is better cooked than consumed directly. Ventilation is always good for a cleaner and healthier house. Remember to keep your toilets water-filled.

    What advice do you have for others around the world who have not yet been seriously affected by the 2019-nCoV coronavirus?

    Be cautious and follow the news but there’s no need for panic. Keeping yourself healthy is the best weapon against the virus.

    Lastly, what can readers of this article do to help you, Wuhan, Hubei and China get through this?

    Keep watching the news. If you have the heart and the money, please donate. Please don’t discriminate Chinese, or anyone really, because we’re all residents of the same planet. Have faith in us and all other infected countries—we are able to quash this before it turns into a global epidemic.

    If you would like to donate funds to purchase medical consumables for China, Icypriest suggests donating to Wuhan University Alumni Association of Greater New York’s crowdsourcing drive on goFundMe. He is still on lockdown in his home and will be more than happy to answer your questions if you drop them in the comment box below.

    Tomorrow, we will interview an expat presently in the capital of China—Beijing—to understand the current situation there. 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.

    Other interviews with Icypriest:
    What It’s Like Being Locked Down In Wuhan During The 2019-2020 Novel Coronavirus Outbreak (Part 1)

    Photographs courtesy and copyright of Icypriest. Interviewer: Sy
    Sponsor or support the 2019-nCov Diaries series here.
    If you found this article useful: