March 27, 2003
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Panic
Everywhere I turn, I see someone coughing, sneezing, rubbing their nose, spitting… at least it seems that way. Paranoia has gripped those around me for fear of this dreadful disease that seems to spread like the plague eerily similar to events that take place in the movie Outbreak. I’m talking about Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. Big brother has covered it up on the mainland, with those in Shanghai going about their daily lives like nothing is going on except the War in Iraq.
However, I’m very much following what’s going on. Unlike many here, we get CNN, Internet access to Western publications and constant phone updates from relatives around the world.
I have read reports of those infected in Italy, France, UK, Australia, Canada, US, Vietnam, Thailand, Hong Kong, and China.
In Singapore, the government has set up a task force solely to monitor those with SARS. People who are diagnosed with, or suspected of, or had been in contact with SARS are to stay at home for two weeks or face a hefty fine. All schools have been shut down.
The LVMH group in France has issued a warning and banned all of their employees from flying to Asia. If they do fly here, resulting medical expenses will not be insured. I know this because my friend works for Riche Monde, and there was supposed to be a big Dom Perignon party here, with the heads from France flying down… all cancelled.
In Hong Kong, the Rolling Stones concert has been postponed, they may look at cancelling it. The Wan Chai subway station has shut down. Major bank has been shut down. Children do not have to go to school. Surgical masks are being passed out in public places to the public, even my cousins are wearing masks as they go out.
Flash forward to China, the government has denied any outbreak of the virus, with the exception of Guangdong, where it seems to have originated. But friends of mine have said that people have died in the nearby Ruijin Hospital due to the infection. Random reports from Hong Kong say that over 20,000 people in Beijing are infected. A potent aroma of vinegar lingers in the air in some of the various alleyways. Shit is crazy!
So, I won’t be going to any clubs or any bars for the next little while.
Comments (13)
woah, they’ve been covering it up mostly over there? yeah… it’s not too safe over there… even over in canada, a few people who went over and came back have died from SARS already… take care!
Wow keep us updated about SARS , Im kinda worried cuz i’ll be in China in a month and ahalf, not going to Guandong tho, the coordinator of the trip said that there aren’t that many cases up in Beijing and stuff…but still we’re not sure..
omg!! seriously, stay home, and dont go out at all!
its reached toronto….scary times man…real scary
it’s scary. my family cancelled their plans for a 7 week holiday starting late april to HK, china, and a visit to me here in Korea because of it. very disappointing for me :(
You’re… umm… not coming back soon are you?
be careful
wear that thing covers your nose and mouth? don’t shake hand with anyone or wash your hand after you do that; don’t eat food outside.
for extra precaution, make sure you wash your hands before and after you pay the hookers for sex.
in vancouver, protective masks are sold out and the chinese medical herbs to fight this SARS disease is sold out in china town!!! another man has it here! oh god! i’m panicking because i dont want to deliver a baby today in an infected hospital! ahhhh!
HEy! I think 6 ppl in Kingston are suspected to have SARS haha.. my roomate thinks she has sars.. ahha YES!!!!!!
man….i just finished a 10 day quarantine. that was pretty scary…but i’m still healthy thankfully.
I knew ur nick sounded familiar! anyways just dropped by to say herro to you simon~~