Coronavirus: Wuhan counts down to Lunar New Year – and recovery
- In the city where the pathogen was first detected, shoppers make last-minute purchases for family celebrations
- It is a contrast with last year when hospitals overflowed with the sick and dying
The outbreak, which first emerged in Wuhan in late 2019, prompted authorities to enforce a complete shutdown between the end of January and early April last year, as hospitals overflowed with the sick and dying.
As the Lunar New Year approached this year, things were nearly back to normal in Wuhan, which has been largely virus-free for months, with people scrambling to make last-minute purchases of food and decorations for family celebrations ahead of the Year of the Ox, which begins on Friday.
“I feel happy,” said Song Bo, 33, who works in the car industry. “Last year, we just stayed at home without doing anything or slept at home every day. This year, though we still need to wear masks, is much better.”
Some shopkeepers were also more positive.