The direct meaning for Shanghai (上海) is “Above/Upon the Sea,” which alludes to the city’s location along the Yangtze River Delta near the South China Sea. The main language of the city is Shanghainese, which is one of the many (roughly 250) dialects of Chinese spoken around the world. It is also one of the most vibrant and energized cities in the world. With a population of approximately 23 million, Shanghai has a blend of beautiful history and modernism. China to date, has 83,000 cases confirmed and 78,000 people recovered, here are the perspectives from two people who experienced Shanghai pre and post quarantine.
Anonymous #1
How long were or have you been quarantined?
I didn’t have to undergo strictly regulated quarantine because I returned to China before international cases got too high. I have been ‘home’ for the better part of three months with work postponed and many closures around the city. When I returned from Thailand I stayed in for a little over 2 weeks for the sake of everyone as I spent a long time in transit, planes, etc. and could have been a carrier without knowing. Things have been opening up more and more in the city, though I still choose to spend a lot of time in my home to avoid large crowds most of the week.
What have you learned about yourself during this pandemic?
I enjoy down time, and this has been a nice forced ‘break’ for much of the world. I think it does people well to step back and take things in on a bigger scale. This has shown me my ability to see the bigger picture, and reaffirmed how I feel about the place of humans in the global environment.
Have you learned anything new?
I’ve been getting back into sewing and trying to produce some new patterns and make projects as a creative outlet. I’m continuing to grow in my ability to separate myself from situations, stay grounded and analyze things around me with a critical eye, without taking them personally. Taking yourself out of situations allows for a more realistic approach to stress management; I think this is part of why this whole ordeal has not affected my mental health in a negative way and I’ve managed to stay positive and optimistic rather than drowning in anxiety over the unknown.
How have you stayed busy?
I’ve been doing some different fitness challenges, getting back into yoga and practicing almost daily. There has been plenty of Netflix, cooking, and I try to get outside a lot more than when my days were spent at work. I’m also trying to read more and have finished several books since the onset of this pandemic.
What role has social media played during your time in quarantine?
I’ve intentionally limited my consumption of fear-based media since January. I am not a big social media user in the first place, so though I have more time to scroll instagram I’m careful about what I allow on my feed and have used this time to remove a lot of content from my following list that I simply don’t care to spend my time and energy on. Of course, the ability to connect with friends around the world has been nice and social media eases those connections.
How have your relationships with friends and family been effected during this quarantine period or pandemic？
My relationships have not been affected much, apart from a couple friends who were out of Shanghai and didn’t return before the borders were closed. We have had to make some changes in how and when we communicate due to time zones restrictions, but this is something we’re all used to living half a day ahead of loved ones at home and my friends in Europe.
I’ve observed relationships of people in my life become strained amongst themselves due to close-quarter living situations with things locked down, but personally it’s not been the case for me as I happily have my own space and can remove myself from social settings whenever I need a break and go to my own peaceful space.
Any advice for those who can provide to those who are struggling during this time?
STOP CONSUMING – media, junk food, and time with people you don’t want to. Change your diet, eat more fruits and vegetables and less animal products and processed food (if you can). With more time on our hands these days, convenience is hardly an excuse to eat poorly. Take the time to be aware of how you feel around certain people now that there are less “I’m so busy” feelings and pay attention to the people you feel best around. If you don’t have the energy to spend on certain people, don’t. Step back and see focus your energy on a smaller group of individuals who don’t drain you. Pay attention to who makes the effort with you at the same time and treasure those people who light you up. Be that light of others as well. Stop talking about this virus every time you speak and keep things in perspective. Turn off the news and put on a show you have been dying to get into instead. Or it you don’t want to be infront of a screen find other things to occupy your time.. Paint, go for a walk, read more, learn to cook your favorite dish, stretch, meditate, do some squats or move your body in whatever kind of way makes you want to release tension and remember this too shall pass.
On April 4th, at 10:00 am, China sounded off sirens as people were silent for 3 minutes in honor of all the people who died due to Covid-19. Please take a moment to honor them also...
Anonymous #2
How long were or have you been quarantined?
I was quarantined at home in Shanghai for 14 days from mid to end March.
What have you learned about yourself during this pandemic?
Priority check. Good health and family are the only things that matter. All the “essentials” become non-essentials during critical times. Being alone (for a designated period of time) is quite nice – it forces you to relax and think about your past, present and future.
Have you learned anything new?
Yes, A central government and healthcare system is extremely beneficial for countries during a global pandemic. I’m an American and it breaks my heart to see America so divided under Trump’s leadership. A lot of young Americans are extremely selfish and don’t have a sense of social responsibility. It’s extremely important to save money for rainy days. Americans must learn the importance saving money (78% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck). Accountability is also very important.
Have you noticed any extreme changes within yourself, your community or the world?
I have a more positive outlook on life. Keep it simple and be grateful for good health.
As for community, Chinese people have shown a sense of social responsibility (especially regarding staying home). The world is so interconnected; we must continue to help each other during times of need.
How have your relationships with friends and family been affected during this quarantine period or pandemic？
My boyfriend is American and lives in China. He is currently stuck in America because China closed its borders to foreign passport holders on March 28. But still able to check on my friends and family more than usual.
The first day post-lockdown, what did you do?
I went to the gym! Then I got pampered with a manicure, pedicure, facial and massage. Then I went to a Brazilian BBQ restaurant for dinner.
Do you feel “normalcy” now that business opened back up?
Yes, but Shanghai is probably the most “normal” city in the world right now.
Do you feel businesses opened prematurely? If so, why?
Not in Shanghai. The government did a really good job at controlling the timeline of when businesses could reopen. (See video below)
What is your biggest takeaway from living through this global pandemic?
Life is unpredictable. Adapt to the situation, take care of your health and spend time with your loved ones.
Any advice for those who can provide to those who are struggling during this time?
Mental health is so important. It’s natural to feel alone when isolated during quarantine. Reach out to friends and family to feel connected to the world. You’re not alone.
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