US man in Wuhan shares his perspective

I used not to cook because there are so many good places to eat but now all of those restaurants, canteens and shops are locked down. I had no supplies, and my stove was not working. A friend contacted the resident committee for me, and some people came and made sure my stove worked.

I went to the grocery store today, and everything was orderly. There were no shortages; but then again, I was there early and a line was forming at the vegetables.

In this health emergency, it is everybody's responsibility to protect others and ourselves. I do not want to spread the disease and I do not want to catch what other people have. Currently you cannot drive. There is no public transportation. My friends are scattered across Wuhan, and right now, all over China and the world, since it was Spring Festival. The only way to get in contact is by phone and the messaging tools like WeChat and QQ. The social isolation I hope will slow the spread of the coronavirus, but some people are trying to run away from it.

The US government airlifted a group of Americans out of the city. I decided to stay. I have a job here. I have friends here. It is a commitment and a contract. This thing will pass. I really like the street I live on. I like the food. I like hot and dry noodles. I like the Wuchang fish. I like the atmosphere in Wuhan, and people are down to earth. I walk down the streets and go to shops. When you live somewhere awhile, you become part of the community; it does not matter if you are a foreigner or not. I will continue to stay in isolation until the outbreak is over, and I will go back to work.

Stephen C. McClure spoke with Li Lei.