A couple under quarantine in Wuhan describe what it is like to be trapped in their home for more than 3 weeks

A deserted Wuhan as Chinese officials keep the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak on lockdown.
A deserted Wuhan as Chinese officials keep the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak on lockdown.

Stringer/Reuters

  • Business Insider talked to a couple living in Wuhan under strict quarantine, who described what their life has been like since the coronavirus outbreak.

  • As of February 15, the global death toll has reached over 1,500 people, with more than 66,000 people infected.

  • The majority of the cases are concentrated in China, but the virus has also spread to 25 other countries.

  • The couple emphasized that it is important that the world does not panic. The virus is one thing, they said, but fear for the virus is another epidemic by itself.

    vCard QR Code

    vCard.red is a free platform for creating a mobile-friendly digital business cards. You can easily create a vCard and generate a QR code for it, allowing others to scan and save your contact details instantly.

    The platform allows you to display contact information, social media links, services, and products all in one shareable link. Optional features include appointment scheduling, WhatsApp-based storefronts, media galleries, and custom design options.

  • Visit Business Insider’s homepage for more stories.

Eleven million people live and work in Wuhan, China. But as the coronavirus outbreak continues, Wuhan — the epicenter of what is now known as the COVID-19 virus — has become a ghost town. Chinese authorities do not allow anyone out or in, per the city’s rigid quarantine protocol, which began at the end of January.

Since December, the coronavirus has been spreading worldwide. As of February 15, the global death toll has reached over 1,500 people, with more than 66,000 people infected in 25 other countries.

Business Insider talked to a couple, who prefer to remain unnamed, living in Wuhan and have been quarantined in their home for 23 days. They said they live a life of uncertainty — no one knows what to do or how long they’ll be forced to stay home.

The only contact with the outside world is via the internet, they told Business Insider. It is also how the couple found out that three of their friends had died from the virus — among them, one of their oldest friends.

To pass the time, the couple said they watch a lot of television, but what is broadcast there does not correspond to their reality, they said, noting that the Chinese media convey mainly positive reports and say everything is under control.

If there are people in a building who are infected by the coronavirus, the houses are branded and the doors locked like a prison, they said.

At the start of the quarantine, the couple said they could live on the food they stocked up from the Chinese New Year in January. But since resources have been used up, they rely on ordering food online, and it is delivered right outside the door. One of them puts on protective clothing — a mask, gloves and glasses — to pick up the delivery at the entrance and carry it up into the apartment.

However, that’s not the case for everyone in Wuhan. Some still go to supermarkets despite the increased risk of infection.

The couple said the government in Wuhan will likely impose a strict ban to prevent people from leaving the house, with police patrolling the streets to enforce it.

Nonetheless, the couple emphasized that it is important that the world does not panic. The virus is one thing, they said, but fear of the virus is another epidemic by itself.

Lauren Frias contributed to this report.

Read the original article on Business Insider

source: yahoo.com


🕐 Top News in the Last Hour By Importance Score

# Title 📊 i-Score
1 The horrifying hidden dangers of saunas: We reveal the shocking risks to your health of one of Britain's favourite activities – after former model Mileva Brooks collapsed and died 🔴 72 / 100
2 British woman dies after running through a glass door and severing her arm 'after an argument with her boyfriend' in Australia 🔴 65 / 100
3 NASA rover finds fresh evidence of the warm and wet past of Mars 🔴 65 / 100
4 Will we ever have confirmation of life outside our solar system? 🔵 60 / 100
5 Everton fans fume at 'pathetic' Goodison Park send-off as kick-off time for final game at their historic ground is revealed 🔵 60 / 100
6 Bill Nye on NASA budget cuts & key space issues 🔵 55 / 100
7 Kyren Lacy’s Family Launches GoFundMe After LSU Star’s Death 🔵 55 / 100
8 Sainsbury's braces as supermarket price war puts pressure on profits 🔵 45 / 100
9 Strawberries will last in the fridge for 'five days' if common storage method is avoided 🔵 45 / 100
10 Dyson Airwrap ID drops to lowest ever price at Argos – £92 saving and cheaper than Boots 🔵 42 / 100

View More Top News ➡️