(by Vanessa Tomassini correspondent from TunisCoronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of respiratory viruses that can cause mild to moderate diseases, from the common cold to respiratory syndromes such as MERS (Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome) and SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome). They are so called because of the crown-shaped tips on their surface. These viruses are common in many animal species, such as camels and bats, but in some cases, although rarely, they can evolve and infect humans and then spread to the population. According to a report published by the China-WHO Joint Mission in 2019, the virus responsible for the global emergency is a new strain of coronavirus never previously identified in humans and first ascertained in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, last December.
"I would like the world to take responsibility for themselves and their families and follow the news and preventive measures from reliable sources like the WHO and not be afraid because this crisis will pass and we will learn a lot from it, it will become a great experience for all". He is sure of it Hafit Alaqouri, a 26 year old Libyan student, raised in Benghazi, who chose to stay in Wuhan, China, where he has lived for a year and four months following a master's degree in Computer Science.
Why did you choose to stay in Wuhan and not return to Libya?
“I decided to stay voluntarily so as not to hurt my Chinese friends who have been with me and who have always helped me. I met many Chinese friends, most of them helped me in the simplest things, I spent my best moments with them. I have been with them on all local occasions, to which they have invited me to the city, calling me to participate and celebrate with them. I shared the best moments with them, and all the difficulties I encountered in the city were easily disappearing with their support. In return, I also participated in many volunteer work inside and outside the city of Wuhan. I also went from Wuhan to another city 600 kilometers away for 20 days to help a poor village where I taught their children English. One of my most important voluntary contributions here, through my presence in the first year in Wuhan, was to participate in the Military World Games 2019, in October, as a tourist guide in the tower of the yellow crane, which is an ancient historical legacy of the city from over 1700 years. I have helped many foreigners and athletes from all over the world to learn about the history of Wuhan by learning so much about the history of Wuhan and China in general. "
What is the situation there?
"The situation was catastrophic in the first weeks of the Coronavirus epidemic, but things started to improve from February 19 until March 18, when no new cases were confirmed in Wuhan from that day until March 21".
How did you live this period? What are the main difficulties you have faced?
“Ever since the epidemic started to spread here in Wuhan, at the end of last December, I have bought all the necessary needs; I prepared myself for a crisis that could have been prolonged, and I started spending most of my time in my dormitory at university. Sometimes I went out to help when asked and I helped the school staff meet the needs of the students. I spent most of my time working on my graduation project, reading books and watching my favorite shows. Recently, we played football with friends in the inner courtyard and it was very nice for me because I love playing this sport and since the beginning of the epidemic I started cooking food in my room and using all the precautionary measures to avoid being exposed to this serious epidemic. "
What measures have been taken by the Chinese government to prevent the spread of the virus?
"It's impressive, many quick decisions were made to reduce the outbreak of Wuhan in the beginning, and then they started to fight it. The first decisions were a curfew and the closure of all transports. After the outbreak broke out, the city of Wuhan was completely isolated on January 23 and it was also decided to wear a mask. All shops remained closed, with the exception of groceries and pharmacies. People could only go out for food. People could not go to work and those who were employed in the few companies that remained open, remained there without being able to return home. Even cars could not drive. Since the beginning thousands of doctors have been called to Wuhan from all over China, many shelters have been built and equipped to treat infected cases. Among the latest decisions that have prevented the onset of the disease even within Wuhan, there has been the closure of areas within the city and no one can leave one district for another in the city of Wuhan. This has contributed to the epidemic's decline to date, recently, no new cases have been confirmed in Wuhan and the city remains closed to this day. "
What do you want to tell your compatriots in Libya about the virus?
"Coronavirus has shown us the speed of its spread and infection for all ages, no matter who you are or where you are, perhaps this virus is close to you and if we do not take protective measures we put our life and that at risk. of our family members, and so far no cure has been found and most countries in the world suffer from the outbreak of this epidemic that has caused the death of many of their citizens. Therefore, I hope Libyan citizens take the issue seriously, not only to protect themselves, but also to protect their families and children. "
What are the good prevention rules that you learned in China and that you want to share with your fellow citizens and with the Italians who are facing the difficult moment that Wuhan has gone through?
“In my personal experience, the prevention of this epidemic is divided into three important parts: first of all, personal cleanliness and the surrounding environment should be cleaned properly; secondly, it is necessary to increase immunity in ourselves, and this happens through healthy eating and reasonable hours of sleep and simple exercise at home; the last recommendation is not to go out and not to communicate with anyone, not even with your relatives, so that they don't hurt you or you don't hurt them. It is an excellent prevention that you remain isolated to stay healthy and safe. "