Wuhan's battle against the virus through the lens of a photographer

ORDINARY PEOPLE, EXTRAORDINARY THINGS

The two medics brought back memories of three other people in corners. At Jianghan, not far from the jubilant crowds, stood three silent women. When they noticed I had turned my camera on them, they gesticulated toward their vests, the characters read, "toilet janitor."

Later, a security guard at the hospital told me that apart from the medics, the toilet janitors were the most admirable people here.

"It's said that fecal-oral transmission is possible. So, the janitors wash the facilities after every patient uses it," he said. "Think about it, would your mother do this for you at home?"

I was moved by his words. I rushed back, hoping to take better photographs of them. But they had left.

People like those three women can be found all over Wuhan, throughout Hubei Province, and across the country. Ordinary people doing extraordinary things. They might not be as visible, but they are just as admirable.

Ma Zengchen, a food courier, started work at 2 am every day to ensure around 80 housebound families were well-fed. He wouldn't rest until 9 pm or even midnight. He had been working like this for almost two months by the time I met him.

"It's not about making money. It's a risky job meeting so many people every day. But if we don't work, the people of Wuhan would starve," he told me.

Wang Peng's job was even more dangerous. Working in a medical waste disposal center, he was as much at risk of exposure to the virus as the medics, and he did this for 12 hours a day.

"It was my job to support my family. Now it's my job to help the country," Wang said. "I won't stop working until everyone is cured."

Janitors, couriers, waste collectors, and even housebound residents, my camera roll was stuffed with photos of them. They were just doing their part. They were all warriors in this battle against the virus.

I never told my parents that I went to Wuhan. They are too old to worry about me.

I missed a call from my mom when I was taking photos in a hospital. I called back, my mom asked, "Why didn't you pick up the phone? Are you in Wuhan?"

I didn't know whether she believed my excuses. But when the situation improves and I finish my work here, I will make my way back to my parents' home and sit them down to explain everything to them.