Hundreds of volunteers have come together to provide support for people who recently travelled to China and have chosen to isolate themselves at home for two weeks upon their arrival to Canada.
As B.C. confirmed its second case of the coronavirus that has killed almost 500 people in China, many people who have returned to the Canada in recent days have hunkered down in their homes to ensure they won’t carry or spread any disease.
However, it has been challenging for people who have placed themselves in a self-imposed quarantine to maintain a “normal” life, said Lily Li, who on Monday night set up a volunteer WeChat group to help support them.
“They are trapped at home — they are away from everyone. They can’t purchase groceries or any necessities. We need to help them overcome obstacles during this critical transition period,” said Li.
By Wednesday, about 400 people had joined Li’s volunteer group. Currently, each municipality across the Lower Mainland is well-equipped with dozens of volunteers who are eager to help.
“Lots of volunteers have been trying to encourage people to contact them if they need any help,” said Li, adding that plenty of group members are from Richmond.
Richmondite Sonya Song talked to the Richmond News following a day of preparation with other volunteers.
Volunteers have been busy sharing messages online to encourage people who have flown out of China to contact them whenever they need any help, Li explained.
When asked if she ever feels scared while delivering food to people who are holed up at home, Song said precautions are in place to keep volunteers safe.
“Also, lots of movie stars always visit people who live with HIV; they are safe and sound after the visit.
“If you think about what life is all about, it’s all about how you are going to better the lives of people around you, not only your loved ones but also people in your community,” said Song, adding that she hopes to get more people to join the group.
Several countries have banned the entry of non-citizens who have travelled to China in the past two weeks to contain the spread of coronavirus, but Canada hasn’t followed those footsteps.
Li said it’s touching that the Canadian government continues to keep doors open to recent arrivals from China.
And more people who return from China are being responsible by staying indoors.
