Life in the time of coronavirus: how Wuhan made it through a week in lockdown
- The millions of people left in the closed city are finding new ways to help others and entertain themselves as they wait for the deadly outbreak to be over
- There was some initial panic buying but residents say protective equipment and medication – rather than food – are their big needs
In the week since the central Chinese city of Wuhan went into lockdown, everyday life has been on hold.
At 2am on January 23, authorities announced travel restrictions on Wuhan residents, shutting down Wuhan’s airport, train stations and public transport. Other cities in Hubei province, where Wuhan is located, followed suit in the next several days.
About 5 million residents left Wuhan before the lockdown because of the outbreak and the Spring Festival holiday, with roughly 9 million remaining, according to Hubei officials.
One of those who stayed is Liang Liang. The businessman has joined an estimated 4,000 people who volunteer their time and cars to transport supplies and medical staff.
The closure of public transport left stranded hospital staff and patients without their own cars. WeChat groups soon sprang up to match drivers – including Liang Liang – with those in need.
On Wednesday, returning home at 10pm after an exhausting day behind the wheel, Liang Liang said he volunteered after seeing the plight of hospital workers.