The BBC was able to speak with a nurse who works with coronavirus patients in Hubei province, the place where the disease outbreak emerged. Yao related how complicated, but also gratifying, is to help manage the emergency
When the outbreak of coronavirus emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan at the end of last year, the media in the Asian country could report the epidemic in detail.
But as the emergency has worsened, overcoming the 700 deaths in China, the internet platforms have deleted several items who criticize the government’s work to stop the virus.
The authorities also tried to take strong measures against warnings shared by a doctor when the coronavirus began to spread.
In an exceptional case, the BBC was able to speak with a health worker in Hubei, the province at the epicenter of the outbreak where Wuhan is also located.
To protect his identity, he asked only to be identified by his last name, Yao.
Volunteer
Yao works in a hospital in the second largest city of Hubei, Xiangyang.
Describe the place as a “fever clinic”, where it analyzes blood samples taken to diagnose any person suspected of having coronavirus.
Before the outbreak, Yao had planned to travel to Guangzhou to spend the Chinese New Year with his family.
Her son and mother went ahead of her on the trip, but when the epidemic broke out, Yao He decided to volunteer at Xiangyang.
“It’s true that we all have only one life, but there was a strong voice inside me that said‘ you should do it, ‘”he told the BBC.
At first he had to overcome his doubts about the decision.
“I told myself‘ Prepare and protect yourself well, “explains Yao.
“Even if there wasn’t a protective suit, I could always wear a raincoat. If there wasn’t a mask, I could ask friends from all over China to send me one. There is always a way, ”he says.
But Yao found the hospital better equipped than he expected. The government has contributed resources, and private companies have donated material to help.
However still there is a shortage of masks and protective suits, and not all staff members are properly protected.
“It is heartbreaking”
“It’s a difficult job, very sad and heartbreaking, and most of the time we just don’t have time to think about our own safety,” says Yao.
“We also have to treat patients with gentle care, because many people came to us with great fear, some of them were on the verge of a nervous breakdown,” he says.
To cope with the large number of patients admitted, hospital staff He works in 10-hour shifts. Yao says that during these shifts No one can eat, drink, take a break or use the bathroom.
“At the end of the shift, when we take off our suits, we discover that our clothes are completely wet with sweat,” explains the nurse.
“The forehead, nose, neck and face are marked by tight masks and sometimes there are even cuts. Many of my colleagues simply sleep in chairs after shifts, because they are too tired to walk, ”he adds.
But despite the difficulties, Yao says that No one of the hospital’s medical staff has been infected.
She and her colleagues have also been encouraged by warm messages from ordinary people. Some people have even sent food and other necessities.
“I feel that although (the population) is quarantined at home, the virus unites our hearts,” says Yao.
In general, the response of the Chinese government to the outbreak of coronavirus has been “quite fast,” he believes, in addition to believing that no other country could have given a better response.
“In the West, there is more talk about freedom or human rights, but now in China, we are talking about a matter of life or death“He points out.
“We are talking about whether I could see the sunrise tomorrow. So all people can do is cooperate with the government and support medical staff. ”
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