China raising virus prevention awareness in every corner

On an "isolated" island in eastern China's Anhui Province, all 2,754 residents are able to get the latest information on the fight against the novel coronavirus and the services of epidemic control.

Although Xinxiang Township on the island, located in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, suspended its ferry service for the control of the novel coronavirus since Jan. 27, the residents were still taken good care of by the government staff.

"Talking face-to-face is the most effective way to inform our residents of the lastest information because more than 80 percent of them are aged 70 above, many of whom are illiterate," said Zhang Zhongya, head of the township.

The township's government staff went to every resident's door to talk with people face-to-face, distribute 14,000 masks and spray 200 kg of disinfectant since Jan. 22. The updates and knowledge of virus prevention and control were also broadcast continuously through the fixed and mobile loudspeakers every day in the township.

The staff was also responsible for buying vegetables, grain and other daily necessities for the residents. "The things that we need will be delivered to our homes directly after making a phone call," said Cheng Xiaodong, a resident in the township. "We can stay at home at ease."

"Accuracy is very important in the publicity of the novel coronavirus prevention and control in rural areas," said Yang Fei, head of Huangchi Township in the province. "For the elderly, many of whom are illiterate, broadcasting through loudspeakers in villages is useful, while chat groups online and short message services are more influential for young people."

Companies in cities are also raising the awareness of vires prevention and control at every corner. Delixi Electric (Wuhu) Co., Ltd, an electric company in the city of Wuhu in the province, is taking good care of its employees in the fight against the novel coronavirus.

The company prepared 27,000 masks for its employees for free and measured their body temperatures twice a day, disinfecting all areas in the company every day and key areas four times a day.

It also used WeChat, an online messaging platform, to push out the latest information on epidemic prevention and control to its employees and sent QR codes for them to register their health conditions.

"We analyzed the health data of employees and took care of those in need on a daily basis," said Ye Xianbing, manager of the company's safety and environmental protection department.

"It is our responsibility to focus on virus prevention not only for ourselves but also for others," said Xi Zhiping, an employee of the company.