As the Coronavirus cases sink to a low, the pollution in the city of Xi’an is making an overwhelming come back and I have to close my windows now. Because Xi’an hasn’t had any new cases of the virus in over a week, people are going back to work, meaning pollution is getting worse by the day and it shows no signs of stopping.
I am unable to speak to the nature of the outbreak in Wuhan since I don’t live anywhere near there.
Meanwhile, the Coronavirus is just getting started in other parts of the world, including the US, and I’m saddened by the rise of deaths there and in other countries around the globe. I hope people are taking precautions but not becoming too panicked. Just stay safe and smart.
My QR Code in China
For about a week now, I’ve had my own personal QR code, which has been issued to all residents as a mandatory tracking method. The good news is I don’t have restrictions on going outside every two days! Thank goodness, because it’s my day off and I need some freshly polluted air and a nice walk around the park near my house. I may even get the chance to do some grounding.
The QR code is required for us when going on trains, planes, or into heavily trafficked public areas. Should they have a new case, they have a breadcrumb trail of where I have been and can take measures for others from there.
For those worried about them having my personal information to track my whereabouts for eternity, they already do that with WeChat and Alipay apps. 🙂
People Are Feelin Lax With Their Masks
I went outside on Tuesday for longer than an hour to meet up with a friend of mine who was departing from China. The sky was blue, and the sun was so bright I wish I had sunglasses. A rare occurrence in such a huge polluted city.
As I walked outside, I noticed there were so many people out and about walking around. I could see food delivery men squatting near the gate taking a smoke break, talking to each other. I don’t know them, but I could tell people were glad for things to be somewhat back to normal.
Observing the square that was starting to attract people minute by minute, a pack of teenagers dressed like the Korean Pop Star G-Dragon, and minus surgical masks, were happily smoking cigarettes under the sun. It’s nice to know that people are confident this is somewhat gone, but it still made me nervous.
Businesses Are Starting to Open
So many businesses have gone from dark and lonely to bright and full of life. Signs have lit up, people are actually serving bubble tea again! Some major shopping malls have even opened to the public again. Supermarkets are full of life, and people are back to bumping into each other in between aisles. It’s starting to feel a little more like China again, which is something I have missed.
What About My Job?
I have started teaching online from my home and still have not gone back to work yet. There is still not an exact date on when we will be going back into work and teaching kids in an actual classroom. So until further notice, we will be teaching our classes online.
It was absolutely lovely to see some of my students again, and I can’t wait to get back to school and hug each and every one of them. It could be another month, maybe more, until I get to see them in person.
My Problem With the News
So much of what has been happening is causing a worldwide panic. I completely understand why this is happening, especially after people have died from this. But on occasion, I look at the news and wonder how much of what is being said is causing panic that doesn’t need to be there.
Additionally, being in another country and having access to both Chinese news and US news, it’s hard to know which news to follow. Media outlets have been contradicting each other or accusing each other of reporting false facts. I’ve learned to read all, but sort of trust none of them fully. That being said, if you need news, here’s a bunch.
Things I’ve Been Doing Inside
I’m happy for things to be somewhat returning to normal and hope nothing gets in the way of that. For close to two months now, I have been transparent on social media about the things I’m doing at home during the Coronavirus. But I’ve had time to focus on a few things for myself while at home, and nothing about this Coronavirus has slowed me down when meeting some of my own personal goals.
Things I’ve been doing:
- Writing a book (almost finished YAY!)
- Keeping up my blog
- Exercising & stretching daily
- Listening to music
- Meditating
- Learning new skills
- Making healthier meals
- Reading books
- Talking to friends and family back home
For Those Experiencing the Coronavirus epidemic now, here’s my advice:
There is some reason to panic since the number of deaths is rising outside of China. If everyone works together we can keep this from spreading. So here are some things I’ve learned are essential for preparing and for keeping your sanity during the Coronavirus.
- Exercise daily
- Get out in the sun
- Eat healthy
- Meditate daily
- Drink lots of healthy fluids
- Wash your hands
- Stay home if you’re sick
- Go to the hospital (sorry if you can’t afford it because of our stupid ass government)
- Don’t let the fear in!
- Remember it’s going to be ok, mind over matter.
