As world struggles, China reflects on effects of coronavirus ambush
By People Daily, March 19, 2020Shanghai, Wednesday
Restaurants are reopening, traffic and factories are stirring, and in one of the clearest signs yet that China is awakening from its coronavirus coma, the country’s “dancing aunties” are once again gathering in parks and squares.
As the rest of the world runs for cover, China—where the virus first emerged—is moving, guardedly, in the opposite direction as domestic infections fall to nil following unprecedented lockdowns and travel restrictions.
But ordinary life is far from normal.
Masks and temperature checks are essential to enter most places and many eateries are banning diners from facing each other in a mass “social distancing” campaign.
Beijing retiree Wang Huixian was among a dozen women practising the national pastime of dancing in unison to music from portable speakers in a public park— but now with a gap of three metres between them.
“During the epidemic, everyone was very tense and afraid. So we want to relax now,” said Wang, 57.
Alongside more than 3,200 deaths and over 81,000 total infections, the coronavirus outbreak has left further scars. China, the world’s second-largest economy, was shut down for weeks, with factories silent and massive cities locked down.
But most parts of the country are now slowly lifting restrictions and people are returning to work, unlike many Western countries where governments have ordered sweeping restrictions not seen during peacetime.
After weeks of empty streets and citizens sheltering at home for safety, Shanghai has transformed in recent days. Cafes and some tourist sites have re-opened. -AFP