Chinese virus in Odessa—are residents worried about a lockdown?

Journalists from Novini.LIVE asked the residents of Odessa about this.

New Virus

Recently, seasonal illnesses and infections have been rampant in Odessa. However, some residents believe that behind these common symptoms lies a dangerous Chinese virus. In particular, Tatiana is convinced of this and emphasizes that the infection has been spreading in the city since summer.

"I think this virus has been circulating among us since summer because its symptoms are very similar to a cold. So I believe that at least half of Odessa has already been infected. And, to be honest, we don’t need any lockdowns — the war is already ongoing", Tatiana shares.

However, another woman with the same name believes that it is not wise to panic prematurely, as epidemiologists should evaluate this information first. Only after that should decisions regarding possible restrictions be made.

"I am not afraid of anything anymore. It's hard to say how it will actually turn out. We need to consult epidemiologists, and we will adapt to everything. We are already resilient", Tatiana adds.

Lockdown in Ukraine

Another group of Odessa residents urges against rushing into panic, reminding that many have developed a certain level of immunity after the previous pandemic. Moreover, everyone already knows well how to act to prevent the rapid spread of a new illness. According to Nadezhda, fears and restrictions are mostly in people’s minds. Therefore, they should remain calm and consume information rationally.

"I’m not afraid. I have good immunity. I actually think that there’s no need to be afraid, because we can imagine worse consequences than what might actually happen", Nadezhda emphasizes.

On her part, Olesya is confident that a repeat lockdown is unlikely since the disease began to be controlled right in China. So, she hopes that there won't be a large number of infections in Ukraine.

"I’m not afraid. Last time I had COVID twice. I’m not sure if my immunity will be sufficient this time. But what can I do? I don’t think there will be another lockdown like before, because everyone has understood that it’s not that scary. We hope for the best", Olesya emphasizes.

Another Odessa resident, Olga, shares a similar opinion. She feels optimistic that things will only get better and that there won't be severe consequences from this virus for Ukraine and Odessa.

"We will take care of ourselves. We have already gone through this stage. I believe it can’t possibly get worse. It can only get better", Olga concludes.

How to Avoid Catching the New Virus

Ukraine has already recorded 13 cases of the new infection, and fortunately, the number has not increased in recent days. However, each of us can further protect ourselves by adhering to simple yet important recommendations from the Ministry of Health:

• Wash your hands frequently or use disinfectants;
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of the used tissue immediately and wash your hands;
• Avoid close contact with anyone who has a fever and cough;
• If you have a high temperature, cough, or difficulty breathing, consult a doctor promptly and inform them of your travel history;
• When visiting live markets in areas where cases of the new coronavirus are currently recorded, avoid contact with live animals and surfaces that come into contact with animals;
• Avoid consuming raw or undercooked animal products. Be cautious with raw meat, milk, etc.

Ukraine has faced pandemic challenges multiple times, and the echoes of the last one are still evident with sanitizers in public places and signs for maintaining distance. Therefore, there is no reason to exaggerate the threat of the new virus — with experience and preparedness, we will surely overcome it!

We remind you that the WHO has called on China to provide data for research on the origin of COVID-19, marking the statement on the fifth anniversary of the report of the first cases of "viral pneumonia" in Wuhan.

Additionally, specialists have discovered genetic mutations of avian influenza that may facilitate its entry into human upper respiratory tract cells.