Your Practical Guide for Living in China Right Now


Since the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) first came to the attention of the World Health Organization on December 31, 2019, and the news about this unknown strain found in Wuhan broke in early January, life in China has seemingly become a rollercoaster of ups and downs.

 

In order to contain the spread of the respiratory disease, Wuhan went into lockdown and the Chinese New Year holiday was extended as city after city encouraged residents to implement self-quarantine and increase their awareness regarding the new virus. You can keep track of all of those up-to-date developments around China by scanning the QR code below.



More guidance and updated global information can also be found through WHO and CDC websites.



Image via @/Weibo


For those that want to follow the numbers, you can track those through DXY.cn, a Chinese online healthcare platform. With recoveries on the rise, were hoping for a light at the end of the tunnel as everyone comes together to combat the new global crisis. Throughout this time, here are some helpful things to know.


Precautions

image via @Gerbera101/Weibo


Traveled recently? For anyone who has been on a plane or train within the last month, you can input your flight or train number on 133.cn to learn whether a passenger infected by 2019-nCoV was on your trip. Additionally, you can find more information on virus symptoms, including how to avoid getting infected, right here.

 

Transportation

The wide spread self-imposed quarantine across China has prompted creativity outbursts for individuals looking for new ways to spend the time indoors. However, no amount of board games or arts and crafts can alleviate the mounting cabin fever cropping up at homes around the city.


After spikes in evacuation trips, unfortunately air travel abroad is in decline with many foreign governments advising against non-essential travel to China. The list of international airlines canceling flights is growing as more and more countries impose travel restrictions for travelers from China, including Australia, Mongolia, New Zealand, North Korea, Russia, Singapore and the US. With the rapidly evolving situation, we recommend contacting the airline to confirm whether or not your upcoming flight will be affected.


If you need go outside, DiDi can still be your first choice as public transport options seem to be the unfavorable choices nowadays.


Working with drivers to meet basic mobility demands, DiDis main services remain unchanged across China with the exception of long-distance, inter-city (thats between two cities) services in a number of areas in response to public health measures and local transportation policy changes. Users in those affected areas may receive service adjustment reminders sent by DiDi or check the DiDi app for the latest updates.


 

As users health and safety is DiDis top most priority, it requires all drivers and passengers to wear a mask when traveling (Click "Read more" at the end to read in full.) If a driver or rider is not wearing a mask, the other party may cancel the ride. It also calls on all its users to be mindful of the situation and take precautions. In addition to distributing as many masks and protective gear as possible along with disinfectant kits to drivers, DiDi urges all drivers to sanitize vehicles daily, keep the vehicle fully ventilated, wear masks, wash hands frequently and to stop service and consult doctors immediately if any symptoms arise.


Delivery Services

While most people are keeping themselves confined at home, companies involved in urban operations, food supply and other related industries are allowed to run as usual, even though services for group banquets are halted, which means waimai is once again here to save the day.


Ele.me, Hema and other platforms are available albeit with less options, while expat-favorite Sherpas has temporarily suspended operation. Meanwhile, many restaurants are starting to offer independent delivery services in response to the lack of traffic, so call ahead to check and your favorite dish might just arrive at your door. Online shoppers can rejoice with more time to scroll through Taobao or JD.com, although we cant guarantee youll find the proper mask delivered promptly to your door.


In accordance to many housing communities limiting access to non-essential personnel, companies have implemented new guides for couriers to minimize the risk of infection and contamination. Apart from wearing masks and checking temperatures daily, couriers are required to regularly disinfect their vehicles and drop items at secure pickup locations in stead of directly handing them over to the recipients.

 

Hospitals

If you find yourself running a fever with no sign of improvement after a day or two of rest, you should visit your nearest designated medical institution for a check-up. Most clinics are open 24 hours and some are specially equipped to diagnose the 2019-nCov, with isolation areas and dedicated channels for disinfection.


The Shanghai government has designated more than 100 fever clinics spread out across Shanghai  you can find these locations through the WeChat Pay feature. Below are a handful from the list:


       Huashan Hospital

       Rui Jin Hospital

       Shanghai 1st People's Hospital

       Renji Hospital (East Branch)

       Children's Hospital of Fudan University

       Shanghai Children's Medical Center

 

Stay calm knowing that the city is doing everything it can to keep its residents safe and remember to keep washing those hands!

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