On March 17, I posted a video to all my Facebook friends and family, stating things in Guangzhou have improved a lot since we first started following regulations to reduce the spread of COVID-19. While this is still true, there have been a few changes since then.
Outside of China, the spread is happening quickly. Italy has obviously been the worst hit, with the U.S. and Europe right behind it. Because so many call China their home, many who were traveling in these countries have now been scrambling back to China before all travel is suspended. You may wonder why people are getting on flights. Imagine having to be away from the comfort of your home for months. The disruption it causes to your life and your mental health can be immeasurable. As one friend put it, "I just miss my pillows".
When I posted the video, Guangzhou had 348 total infected since the beginning of the outbreak, and one death. Now we are at 369 infected, 334 recovered and still at one death. While the numbers of infected are still low (0.000027% of the population), the government is now taking precautions to prevent imported cases.
Unfortunately, this has also caused discrimination against foreigners in China. The ironic thing is that China has more foreigners from Korea and Japan than any other nationality. Being an Asian-American, no one bats an eye at me. Sometimes I say "I am American" just to get a reaction, but it seems only my Asian face matters. The other unfortunate aspect of this discrimination is that most of the imported cases are from Chinese nationals that are traveling back from other countries. It sucks that now some of my friends are being discriminated against because they are not Asian-looking and I wish there was something that could be done.
Some of the old regulations are still in place: wearing a mask in public, getting your temperature taken at every business and on public transportation, giving your name and phone number at each business, social distancing. This DOES HELP PREVENT THE SPREAD immensely. New regulations in place: Anyone traveling into China from ANY country MUST do a 14-day quarantine, either in their home or in a hotel chosen by the authorities.
What does 14-day quarantine look like for travelers? If you are allowed to quarantine in your home, you cannot open your door except for when they deliver food or to put your garbage outside your door for pick-up. I've heard some have had locks placed outside their door that alert if they open the door or there is a guard on each floor to make sure you don't open your door. If you are placed into a hotel, you are given food and garbage is picked up at specific times. You are responsible for your own expenses. What I've been reading/hearing is that the expenses are 300RMB ($42) to 500RMB ($70) per day.
I have a few friends in quarantine now. My business partner will be traveling from Holland tonight, back to Guangzhou, with just his 2-year-old. I've told him to prepare himself for the worst-case scenario and to buy things now to try to keep his kid occupied for two weeks.
As I watch the progression of the outbreak and people's reactions on Facebook, I have to say it's been disheartening, frustrating, and sometimes hopeful. All I can say is, stop sharing articles with conspiracy theories and obvious racism. Right now it's not a time to place blame or act like an expert. Everyone is going through this together, some had to deal with it sooner than others, some have had to deal with worse than others, some are suffering from mental health issues like depression and anxiety. A friend posted an article to think of people who are in domestic abuse relationships and how the quarantine will affect them. If you know of or suspect anyone going through any of these struggles, please check on them often and let them know you're, at the very least, there to listen.
Even I, when I first heard of this new virus in December, posted and said "it's no big deal. We're going to be okay". That was before things got serious in January and I'm now eating my words. It is serious. But not a reason to panic. I do hope, with all the time that has passed, people are taking it seriously, but remaining calm. I did suffer a severe depression in beginning of February. It was hard. But I still remained calm and followed regulations, and took note of what I should be grateful for.
For those of you who have been practicing social distancing, you are superheroes who have/will probably saved lives. Thank you. I saw someone's comment who was freaking out about "lockdown". I know the words "lockdown" and "quarantine" can be scary to hear. However, it doesn't mean you can't leave your house. You will be able to go to the grocery store, convenience store, or pharmacy. You will be able to go for walks or drives. It will seem lonely (especially if you live alone, like me) but it doesn't mean you have to stay indoors all the time. It means you need to limit your contact. If you're feeling lonely, reach out to people online, have video calls. It does help. DO NOT invite friends and family over. That is not social distancing and it works against what you're trying to accomplish: slowing/stopping the spread of the virus. If, for some reason, someone HAS to come over to your home, make sure they wash their hands immediately.
For business owners, I am right there with you. I am a business owner in China. I didn't even realize how many of my friends are business owners until this outbreak. It is a scary time for you. It's a very unknown time for you. If you have a brick-and-mortar shop, you might hear from your government that you have to close now but can reopen on xxx date. Expect it to change. This is an uncertain time, and if not EVERYONE is following social distancing, it will take longer to get back in business. One of my friends turned to YouTube during quarantine, where he learned about e-commerce, drop shipping, and cooking. His attitude and innovative way on dealing with the outbreak is inspiring.
If you want to support your local businesses, order takeout or delivery, if they are allowed to do this. In China, this was possible, but I'm not sure if it will be where you are. If it is, by all means, ORDER! This will help their bottom line, no matter how small.
I know this is a scary time. It is for EVERYONE. When 2020 started, I was excited! I had done two talks at Duke University in Suzhou on January 9 and 10 and then I took fifty engineers from Sweden on a tour of Shenzhen on January 16 and 17. I was two weeks away from launching my own jewelry brand for a charity in Seoul. I, and a production team, were going to go to Seoul on February 10 to film the documentary, submit my DNA to the Seoul police, and meet people helping me find my birth family. I was in the midst of setting up my beloved Bunga app with a tech company. I HAD BIG PLANS!!!! It was going to be the most accomplished year I've ever had!
While I was was so hopeful for this new year, it didn't pan out that way. And it was out of my control. While I am super bummed about not being able to get these things done when I wanted to, I've accepted it. It's out of my control. I cried. I got depressed. But I've tried to make the most of what I DO have. I have my health. So far, not a single person I know has been infected by the virus. I have food. I have friends and family. I have love. I have a roof over my head. And I have hope. This will pass. When? We don't know. But we can't control that. What we can control is how we react, how we contribute to getting the outbreak under control, how we treat people we love, and our gratitude. I wish everyone love, safety, and health. You can do this. It's hard. It's scary. But YOU CAN DO THIS.
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