On January 30, 2020, almost eight,000 folks contracted the coronavirus Chinese language 2019n-CoV and 170 died from it. For now, the entire province of Hubei, which counts Wuhan, the cradle of the epidemic, is quarantine.
Among the many 30,000 French folks dwelling in China – at least 250 of which should be repatriated to Paris – Sciences and Future exchanged with two of them: Christophe in Shanghai and Charles, in Xishui, 1h30 from Wuhan. Christophe has lived in China for 15 years. He lives along with his spouse and kids in Shanghai the place he works within the wine trade. Charles has been expatriate for 9 years, he additionally lives in Shanghai however for his marriage, he went to Xishui, in Hubei province (area the place the epidemic began). Since quarantine, Charles has been stranded in China. How do they dwell the scenario? Do they wish to be repatriated to France? Interview.
Sciences et Avenir: What’s the ambiance like in Shanghai and Xishui?
Christophe: Right here in Shanghai, the streets are empty. There may be not a cat, besides within the morning. Folks line up in entrance of pharmacies to purchase masks. We will not have it delivered to Taobao (“the Chinese language Amazon”, editor's be aware), persons are subsequently pressured to depart. In any other case, there would actually be nobody left on the streets. The federal government has shut all the pieces down anyway. Procuring facilities, cinemas, bars, public transport, all the pieces is closed. The vacations are prolonged and the colleges will solely reopen in three weeks.
Charles: I arrived in Xishui (100 km from Wuhan, be aware) the day of the quarantine. Since then, I’ve been stranded with my spouse at my in-laws' home. Principally, I'm right here for my wedding ceremony … However due to the virus, it didn't occur. We tried as finest we may to get residence by automobile however it's unimaginable. The locals block the highway each 50 km making heaps of land. And they’re watching! They’re with their tractor and don’t let anybody move. So, we’re ready. Within the countryside, we don't exit a lot. We keep at residence. We play Majong (a very fashionable board recreation in China, editor's be aware).
How are you knowledgeable of the scenario? Is the federal government holding you posted?
Christophe: As early as December, the federal government informed us to watch out, that there was an epidemic of influenza or pneumonia. Nevertheless it didn't go any additional. From January 17, issues actually modified. The State was actually clear when it defined to us that it was a type of virus near SARS, that it got here from Wuhan, and so on. We learn all of the information on WeChat (fifth most used social community on the planet, WeChat is a combination between Twitter, Fb, Whatsapp and different functions, editor's be aware). All bulletins are made on the app. There are maps that specify the scenario in China and around the globe. However, there are lots of rumors and false data so you must watch out.
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Charles: We preserve knowledgeable on WeChat or different functions. There are real-time updates. There are additionally dialogue teams the place we trade data. However hey, it's a bit panic on the networks. Persons are very psychotic.
How are you dealing with this epidemic? Do you utilize protecting masks?
Christophe: I wait, nothing extra. I don't put on a masks. After I exit on the road to buy, I don't put on them both. Personally, this epidemic just isn’t very scary. Nevertheless, my household and the folks round me put on masks. There are even particular directions for supply folks: they’re checked with thermal cameras earlier than they’ll enter the residence.
Charles: To journey to Xishui, I placed on a great masks and that's it. Within the countryside I don't put on them. After which, right here, no person wears it. Nobody has gone to Wuhan or Huanggang (the 2 most affected cities, editor's be aware), so nobody has any actual purpose to put on them. To guard myself, I additionally keep away from danger areas. All public gatherings, I keep away from. Within the countryside, we’re pretty properly protected, in order that's fantastic.
Do you wish to be repatriated to France?
Christophe: By no means. I'm going to remain right here with my household and wait.
Charles: No not an excessive amount of. I don't wish to wait 14 days in a spot the place there are people who find themselves doubtlessly contaminated with the virus. Our life is right here, it’s not in France.
