Staff measures the body temperature at the entrance of a hospital in Shanghai, East China, February 3, 2020. Various measures are taken across China to combat the novel coronavirus. Photo: Xinhua

Home to over 200,000 foreigners, Shanghai has made great efforts to help them combat the novel coronavirus by providing safety information in five languages and establishing prevention methods in neighborhood communities.

The Global Times met with members of Shanghai's expat community to hear their concerns about living in the city amid reports that some have claimed they're afraid of being trapped due to the virus outbreak.

So far, 254 coronavirus cases have been reported in the city, with patients aged between 7 months and 88 years old, the Shanghai Health Commission said Thursday.

Rishi Harani, 27, from Ireland, a businessman who has been working in Shanghai for three years, tried to inform others about the reality of the situation.  

Rishi Harani Photo: Courtesy of the interviewee

 
"To be honest, it's not that bad in Shanghai," Harani said last week in a vlog posted on YouTube. While wearing a facemask, Harani went to local supermarkets and walked through city streets to show the daily routines of others. 

Harani's father is a doctor. When news of the virus was first reported, he asked his father if he should be worried. 

"He (my dad) told me to take care of myself and follow the precautions," Harani told the Global Times on Thursday. 

After the holidays were extended for one week, "My dad said you could come home if you are bored," but also suggested it would be better to avoid traveling by plane during this period. 

Unnecessary panic  

Chinese-American Head of Mental Health at Shanghai United Family Pudong Hospital George Hu (43) shared his opinions with the Global Times and said, "I do not feel any need to panic.

George Hu and his kid Photo: Courtesy of the interviewee

 
Though news of the rising number of infected people is alarming, "many more may be suffering from anxiety, panic, and other feelings caused by this situation," Hu said, adding that people should consider muting WeChat group notifications that promote information from "unreliable sources."

Vincent, a father of two who works as a creative strategist and consultant for consumer events, echoed Hu's view. 

Vincent Photo: Courtesy of the interviewee

 
The father admitted that empty city streets are "slightly disconcerting," but also pointed out that an official curfew had not been implemented. 

"The shelves in food stores are stacked, some restaurants are open, and people are generally calm," he told the Global Times.

"I feel that the government has done an amazing job on containment," Vincent said. "So, keeping things in perspective, I see no need to panic beyond sensible caution."


Seize the opportunity

To combat the virus, staying at home is the most effective method, said Zhang Wenhong, head of the coronavirus treatment team in Shanghai on Thursday.

Actress and singer, Zina, who lives in Shanghai, has never been in a situation like this and has remained home since January 22.  

Zina Photo: Courtesy of the interviewee

 
Since then, she has watched movies and posted videos on Douyin. "I am not panicking. And staying with family is good," Zina told the Global Times. 

In Shanghai, the "situation is under control," said Zina, who also mentioned that as a safety precaution, strangers are prohibited from entering the residential community where she lives.

Hu regards this period as a good time to be with family. Hu suggested that now would be a good time to explore baking, scientific experiments, new recipes, or origami.


Sweet burden

Authorities announced that all Shanghai schools will remain closed through February. 

Pedro, from Portugal, works in the gaming industry and said he is not panicking but is concerned about his two children. "We need to figure out our next move," he told the Global Times.

Pedro Photo: Courtesy of the interviewee

 

Hu shared similar feelings that his wife had more to handle in taking care of their two children. "It's best to establish a daily schedule and stick to it as closely as you can," Hu said.

"Bring your child's focus and attention not only on what they can't do during this time but on what opportunities this unique situation may present," Hu said.

The Global Times also met with other members of Shanghai's expat community who have changed or delayed their travel plans due to the coronavirus epidemic. 

A 33-year-old software engineer from France, whose Chinese name is Xiaolin, has lived in Shanghai for almost nine years. His wife Jessie delayed their travel plans, and they remained in Shanghai for Spring Festival. 

"Most of the time, we watched movies, played video games, went out for necessities or to take out the trash," Xiaolin told the Global Times.

Xiaolin (right) and Jessie Photo: Courtesy of the interviewee