The novel coronavirus (2019-nCov) is currently keeping everyone on their toes while a constant stream of bad news keeps us all awake at night. As we watch the news unfold anxiously, the epicentre of the virus stays eerily quiet as global specialists scramble to stop the spread from becoming worse.
Source: New York Times
Stepping into Wuhan city now will make you do a double-take as the current most populous city in Central China is as quiet as a cemetery. In the distance, tall buildings stand proudly, devoid of their usual occupants as the city’s denizens have been confined to their homes. Occasionally, a car or two drives by on the city roads, the roar of their engines almost too loud amidst the sheer emptiness of the sidewalks.
As we continue deeper into the city, we see restaurants and cafes with their shutters down, the empty porch seats of these eateries dotting the landscape with their brightly-coloured umbrellas. A dog sprints past, running off to some unknown place, free from the fear of the virus that has gripped the globe in its clutches.
Source: New York Times
The quarantine that currently has the city under lockdown was issued on January 23rd, and all forms of public transportation, trains, and air travel have been put on hold. With almost 45 million people under lockdown, this quarantine is the largest one issued in human history.
Residents of Wuhan now only creep out of their homes to line up at hospitals that are terribly overwhelmed by a virus that suddenly showed up at their doorsteps. Pharmacies also sport long lines at their doors despite signs stuck onto their entrances declaring that they are out of masks, disinfectants, gloves, and thermometers. After trying to get food from the few food stores that are still open, these people return home to wait out this nightmare.
Source: Science Alert
With no sign of the virus slowing down any time soon as infected cases soar globally, the return of normal life is like a dream to the citizens of Wuhan. Many feel like they are losing track of the days as all normal activity has halted, making it hard for them to keep track of the days passing them by. Globally, the world can only hope for the best as specialists race against time to create a vaccine before it’s too late.
Source: Business Insider
Currently, the virus has spread to 27 countries outside of mainland China. It has killed more than 560 people and more than 28,000 cases have been confirmed globally. We hope everyone takes care of themselves during this crisis, it is always better to be safe than sorry!
Also read: MOH Confirms Suspected Wuhan Virus Case in KLCC After Photos Of Hazmat Team There Go Viral
