Thread by @amyyqin

Just arrived in Wuhan, the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak, which has been under lockdown for more than a week now. The mood among locals: anxiety, flashes of anger & frustration, and extreme boredom. Here I am getting my temperature measured in a hotel lobby.

With their Chinese New Year food supplies running low, many residents were venturing out today to stock up on groceries. The markets we saw had an abundance of fresh vegetables, rice, oil and fruit — even strawberries on sale.

But most are still trying to avoid going out if they can help it. One woman said she’s stopped taking her 9.5 yr old golden retriever Dongdong on long walks now. “We’re like thieves, sneaking out when no one is around.”

But some are starting to go a little stir crazy. One man we met today was so excited to be out in the sun - “this is as good as going to Las Vegas!” He said he’s been passing the days by looking out the window and counting the birds.

Most shops are closed except for those selling food, convenience items and medicine. This pharmacy had a sign in its window promising not to raise prices.

Following govt orders, each community has organized a team of volunteer drivers to give rides to elderly and disabled residents to markets, pharmacies and hospitals. Asked why he decided to sign up, one man said: “First, boredom. Second, to serve the people.”

But many in need of medical help are frustrated. There remains a shortage of hospital beds, medical supplies and face masks. One man told us he took his elderly father to 5 or 6 hospitals before he could get him tested for the coronavirus. Even then, they couldn’t secure a bed.

Those were just initial impressions after a day of walking around and talking to residents. Truly in awe of the resilience of this community so far.

Forgot to mention: found a friend too @ChuBailiang

Day 10 of the lockdown in Wuhan. Instructions for residents on how to stop the spread of the coronavirus blare out over loudspeakers, echoing in the empty streets. (Sound on)

We passed a cluster of flower shops that were all closed for the lockdown. Many had placed funeral arrangements outside their store fronts, asking people to scan a QR code for payment (50rmb/arrangement.) Rare to see the honor system in China.

Not far from there was Wuhan Xiehe Hospital. Long line at the fever clinic. With the path of transmission still unknown, many are concerned about hospitals being a hotbed for the coronavirus. Many said they had been waiting outside for hours.

If they can help it, most people are trying to stay away from hospitals. 1 delivery guy told us he rejects most hospital orders because he is scared to get too close. He made an exception one time: to deliver a large donated meal to frontline doctors & nurses.

On a lighter note, with the lockdown of the city and everyone cooped up inside all day, there’s been an unexpected side effect: so much public pajama wearing.

So much public pajama wearing that it would break Suzhou’s facial recognition shaming cameras. Except everyone’s also wearing face masks here so I guess not.

nytimes.com/2020/01/21/bus…

Propaganda banners urging residents to wear face masks and stay indoors are appearing around the city. Some feature the paternalistic tone that many who grew up with Chinese parents would recognize: “Stay home today so that tomorrow when you go out you can come back home.”

Day 13 of the lockdown in Wuhan. Overnight, the Wuhan Exhibition Center was transformed into a makeshift hospital for diagnosed coronavirus patients. Patients and their relatives keep telling us the biggest problem they’re facing is the shortage of hospital beds.

Workers told us it’ll take at least another day to complete the hospital, which will be designated for patients with mild symptoms. Many are hoping this will address the issue of patients infecting their family members while under self quarantine at home.

Inside a supermarket in Wuhan, a pre-recorded message with more instructions on how to stop the spread of the coronavirus was playing on a loop. China really knows how to drill down on a message when it wants to.

Nearly two weeks into the lockdown, residents are starting to get a little restless. There seemed to be more cars on the roads today, and police didn’t appear to be doing much to enforce the ban.

At one hospital, we stumbled upon a jarring scene: patients were sitting outside, 5 ft apart, getting IV drips on ledges and in their cars. Some were couples and even entire families. They didn’t want to be inside cuz they said there were too many sick ppl.

We’ve just been told our Wuhan hotel is being requisitioned by the govt to hold suspected coronavirus patients. Seems the govt is realizing the strategy of self quarantine at home is a huge problem leading to more, often cross generational, infections. (Pic: “Go Wuhan!”)

Day 15 of the lockdown. Gloomy day in Wuhan.

Jailbreak!

Just released from a 2 wk quarantine in San Diego. Feeling relieved and so grateful for the incredible support from various govt agencies, the Miramar base & the community. A surreal experience - tho I will not miss the early morning temperature checks. #coronavirus

Thank you all for your very generous concerns about my health. The current recommendation from both the CDC and the Chinese govt is to quarantine for 14 days. They have the expertise and every incentive to get this outbreak under control. If they change their rec, I will follow.