A lot of people asked me how #China was able to "beat" this pandemic and get on the other side of it.

( #AThread)
#southafricancoronavirus #COVID19 #ChineseVirus

I remember when #corona was just my reality in late January - early February. People were so worried about me. I was getting calls and messages from so many people. Even SABC

When I arrived in SA some people didn't even want to see me because they were scared that I had the virus.

What happened to that fear, guys?

I had taken every precaution on China. I wore safety goggles. I didn't even take my mask off on the plane. Not even to eat. I was on a 14h + flight.

My university didn't let us off campus. They didn't let anyone come in. If you left you were out for good.

When I got to SA I took my own temperature everyday. I sanitised. I wore a mask in public when the first cases were reported. People called me crazy doctors and nurses questioned the logic of me wearing a mask

When I got back to China, the situation was under control they took screening and testing very seriously. They quickly developed a system for everyone entering and in mainland China. Quarantine was not optional but mandatory.

I was quarantined twice

China closed its borders in late March. So from then on only Chinese nationals could come back into China.

The general public stated at home unless they absolutely needed to go somewhere. Surgical Masks were mandatory. Temperature checks and screenings before entering public buildings and transport.

Each province and city monitored their situation and eased restrictions as they saw fit. When life seemingly could go back to normal, precautions were still taken.

Interprovincial movement is monitored. Everyone has a health QR code linked to their phone. (green is safe, yellow is risky and red is danger)
The code changes if you've been to a high risk area or if you've been a close contact with a confirmed case.

There's also another code that's linked to your cellphone number. And it reveals where you have been in the last 14 days

When cases are discovered locally the response is swift. They leave no room for error or chance. They test entire cities in a matter of hours or days.

They tested all the staff at the airport immediately after 2 cargo workers tested positive.

I don't think people realise the level of seriousness in which China has approached this pandemic. Life is "normal" here but that's only because of strict and thorough measures taken at critical moments.

People still wear masks. People still can't travel freely. Cases are low.

Now back to South Africa...

I really hope that people will be responsible for the rest of the festive season and avoid any and all public or social gatherings. Just stay home. Don't risk it.

Right now I know 5 people who have Covid. 5 black South African womxn

Hospitals in some provinces are at capacity. There aren't enough ventilators. Those 1 million graves don't need to be put to use. This doesn't have to be your last festive season.