Wuhan on way to victory over coronavirus
By Mohamad Zreik | chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2020-01-31 11:17
A new and evolving form of coronavirus struck China, with its epicenter in Wuhan, capital of Central China's Hubei province.
Wuhan, one of the oldest Chinese cities with some of the most historic educational institutions such as Wuhan University, is home to global manufacturing companies. Wuhan has become a popular destination for tourists from all over the world because of its beautiful climate, wonderful nature and ancient history, in addition to its people, who are estimated to number about 11 million in the city.
Chinese authorities, in cooperation with the relevant medical teams, are taking the necessary measures to control the virus. A curfew was announced in Wuhan, transportation was suspended, and there was extensive field medical work done throughout Wuhan coinciding with the announcement of the curfew. Wuhan is currently on high alert and the medical workers are ready to face extreme conditions. This situation is not only within Wuhan but in many major Chinese cities such as Beijing, Zhejiang and Guangzhou where infections of this virus have been detected.
The Chinese state has promised to fight this new virus until it is completely eradicated, and I am fully confident of China's capabilities and promises. China today is not suffering, but it is going through a sensitive stage and it will be much stronger than before.
This virus has spread into many countries such as Thailand, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam and the United States, and it is likely that the spread of this virus in these countries is due to air transport.
The most important is that all residents in China, and in Wuhan in particular, must exercise caution. It is important to emphasize personal and home hygiene by washing hands frequently, ventilating rooms and cleaning places of residence, and it is necessary to wear a mask when going out to public places. Every person must measure their body temperature on a daily basis and take vitamins such as vitamin C.
Wuhan is my city, place of residence and study. I wish that the name of this city was not associated with a virus, but soon Wuhan will recover and attract tourists, students and nature lovers once again, and the beautiful Wuhan will always remain the most beautiful in our eyes. Despite the disease that afflicted this city, it will remain the strongest because Wuhan is a city worthy of life and joy.
This is my message to my friends in Wuhan, to be patient and face this misfortune with high spirits, strength and courage. Rest assured that very soon this problem will end and this virus will be eliminated; it is only a matter of time.
The author is a PhD candidate at the School of Politics and International Studies (SPIS), Central China Normal University, Wuhan, Hubei, China. His research focuses on the Belt and Road Initiative and the Chinese presence in the Middle East, especially in Lebanon.