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Expats in Wuhan unhappy about inappropriate coverage of the virus outbreak
| Published: | 27 Jan at 6 PM |
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Tagged: China, Study Abroad
Expats in the coronavirus-hit Chinese city of Wuhan are angry over the style of reporting by foreign media.
Whilst they’re as worried as their Chinese counterparts about the danger of contracting the deadly virus, they’re also impressed and reassured about efforts made by the city fathers to minimise the danger and deal with the situation. Many articles in the international media are blaming the authorities for not acting faster or more effectively, whilst expats on the ground are defending the way local government is dealing with the danger to its residents.
According to expat residents, the authorities are doing the best they can in this mega-city of 11 million, noting that the likelihood of being killed in a road accident anywhere in Asia is far higher than that of dying due to a coronavirus infection. One expatriate whose friend had a temperature and suspected he’d caught the virus said his blood tests were all done for free, the results were negative and his friend was let go with no further issues.
He added free masks were being given out at all hospitals, temperature checking was taking place in all subways and a number of streets, and those working and studying in a local university were given free food and drink including milk packs and water. One angry expat picked up on the style of much of the reporting by Western journalists, saying political comments and racism are disgusting at any time, but far worse in the present situation.
He’s also angry about the number of comments relating this outbreak to that of SARS in 2002, pointing out that the admittedly deadly virus wasn’t able to be covered by internet and social media, with information in the traditional media often inaccurate. Nowadays, he said, everything is out there in social media, meaning those at risk can easily get information enabling them to protect themselves and others.
Whilst they’re as worried as their Chinese counterparts about the danger of contracting the deadly virus, they’re also impressed and reassured about efforts made by the city fathers to minimise the danger and deal with the situation. Many articles in the international media are blaming the authorities for not acting faster or more effectively, whilst expats on the ground are defending the way local government is dealing with the danger to its residents.
According to expat residents, the authorities are doing the best they can in this mega-city of 11 million, noting that the likelihood of being killed in a road accident anywhere in Asia is far higher than that of dying due to a coronavirus infection. One expatriate whose friend had a temperature and suspected he’d caught the virus said his blood tests were all done for free, the results were negative and his friend was let go with no further issues.
He added free masks were being given out at all hospitals, temperature checking was taking place in all subways and a number of streets, and those working and studying in a local university were given free food and drink including milk packs and water. One angry expat picked up on the style of much of the reporting by Western journalists, saying political comments and racism are disgusting at any time, but far worse in the present situation.
He’s also angry about the number of comments relating this outbreak to that of SARS in 2002, pointing out that the admittedly deadly virus wasn’t able to be covered by internet and social media, with information in the traditional media often inaccurate. Nowadays, he said, everything is out there in social media, meaning those at risk can easily get information enabling them to protect themselves and others.
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