Canadian writer shares anti-virus life in China via diaries

"The anxiety did not last too long as the government quickly implemented effective epidemic control and prevention measures, and the residential communities worked closely with the government," Wood said.

He recorded in his diaries that thousands of doctors and nurses from different provinces and cities headed to Hubei to assist the battle. Restaurants and shops were shut down, while supermarkets checked customers' body temperatures and community workers across the country took strict actions and persuaded people to stay at home, as well as helped the old and infirm buy daily necessities.

"People in some countries said those measures could cause panic among the public. On the contrary, my experience can evidence those efforts are valid and effective, which finally subsided people's fears," Wood said. "Those measures that I wrote in the dairies are something new for people from other countries. I realized that I could help share that information, which could help people stay safe, and that was a big highlight for me."

Apart from recording the COVID-19 pandemic situation across the world, Wood also shared his home life in these trying times.

His wife's online dance course attracted more than 500 participants and nearly 1,500 viewers. He described how he and his wife put on protective gear such as masks, goggles and gloves to fetch his packages or shop in supermarkets.

"We must complete the 'decontamination procedures' when we come back home from outside: 1-minute hand washing, taking off masks, spraying disinfection, washing hands again and having a bath. After finishing all the procedures, we are back in our safe bubble," he noted.

Wood's diaries over the past two months have attracted global attention from media outlets to ordinary online users. More than 10,000 people across the world left messages for him on Facebook, and he was interviewed by Canadian CTV, which later showcased his diaries on its website.

"I told my followers that I felt safe here in China. We have enough food and water. China has done everything well," Wood said, adding when people asked him if he would return to Canada, he answered "I choose to stay here with my family."

"I also received warm greetings from my family and friends in Canada. They said they were inspired by the efforts that the Chinese have made," he said. "People from some countries thought that the Chinese overreacted, and the government had overdone in terms of epidemic prevention and control. However, since more countries and regions have been affected by the contagion, more people are aware of how appropriate and crucial China's epidemic control and prevention measures are."

Wood's diaries also drew publishing houses' attention, not only from Canada publishers but also here in China.

Wood is now working with the New World Press, which plans to integrate Wood's diaries and publish a book for both domestic and overseas readers in multiple languages.

The book is named "The Invisible War," said Wood, who hopes to share China's anti-epidemic experience with more people from across the world.

"We have a very strong Chinese technique and method that we can share with the world. They allowed us to go back to work, how to save the economy, how to save the hospital system and how to save lives. Sharing the message is the most important thing I've ever done. It's my honor to do that," he said. "By offering my useful personal experience and telling the real situation of China's fight against the epidemic from the perspective of a foreigner, I wish they can build confidence to fight against the virus."