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Coronavirus Strands China’s Students, in a Dilemma for Beijing Coronavirus Strands China’s Students, in a Dilemma for Beijing
(about 11 hours later)
One student fantasized about buying a $30,000 seat on a private jet. One mother, frustrated with her inability to bring her daughter home, sent masks instead. One group of desperate parents made an unusually public appeal to the Chinese government for help.One student fantasized about buying a $30,000 seat on a private jet. One mother, frustrated with her inability to bring her daughter home, sent masks instead. One group of desperate parents made an unusually public appeal to the Chinese government for help.
The coronavirus outbreak has stranded more than one million Chinese students in empty dormitories and fearful towns and cities around the world. Many of those overseas students want to flee back to China, where official numbers suggest that the authorities have made progress in containing the pandemic. Fear, politics and the competing priorities of the Chinese government stand in the way.The coronavirus outbreak has stranded more than one million Chinese students in empty dormitories and fearful towns and cities around the world. Many of those overseas students want to flee back to China, where official numbers suggest that the authorities have made progress in containing the pandemic. Fear, politics and the competing priorities of the Chinese government stand in the way.
Virtually all flights to and from China have been canceled as Beijing tries to keep infected travelers from reigniting the contagion there. Remaining seats are breathtakingly expensive. For students trapped in the United States, their families worry that tense relations between Beijing and Washington will hinder Chinese-run evacuation efforts.Virtually all flights to and from China have been canceled as Beijing tries to keep infected travelers from reigniting the contagion there. Remaining seats are breathtakingly expensive. For students trapped in the United States, their families worry that tense relations between Beijing and Washington will hinder Chinese-run evacuation efforts.
The fears led one group of parents to publicly petition the Chinese government, a risky move in a country that increasingly tries to keep a lid on dissent. In an open letter posted online and addressed to the Chinese ambassador to the United States, the parents of 200 students in the New York area carefully praised the Chinese government’s support for its citizens overseas. Then it cited the “Wolf Warrior” series of films, huge hits in China, in which patriotic soldiers from the People’s Liberation Army protect Chinese people from overseas threats.The fears led one group of parents to publicly petition the Chinese government, a risky move in a country that increasingly tries to keep a lid on dissent. In an open letter posted online and addressed to the Chinese ambassador to the United States, the parents of 200 students in the New York area carefully praised the Chinese government’s support for its citizens overseas. Then it cited the “Wolf Warrior” series of films, huge hits in China, in which patriotic soldiers from the People’s Liberation Army protect Chinese people from overseas threats.
“We have always firmly believed that a Chinese passport can take you to more places, and in an emergency, can take you home,” they wrote.“We have always firmly believed that a Chinese passport can take you to more places, and in an emergency, can take you home,” they wrote.
The stranded students have put Beijing in a bind. It is anxious to tame the coronavirus outbreak that raged through the country before it spread abroad, putting its economy in free fall. Bringing in people from abroad, the government believes, invites further spread.The stranded students have put Beijing in a bind. It is anxious to tame the coronavirus outbreak that raged through the country before it spread abroad, putting its economy in free fall. Bringing in people from abroad, the government believes, invites further spread.
[Analysis: Peaks, testing and lockdowns: How coronavirus vocabulary causes confusion.][Analysis: Peaks, testing and lockdowns: How coronavirus vocabulary causes confusion.]
Yet China’s image is at stake. Beijing has portrayed itself as an increasingly powerful force on the global stage economically, politically and militarily. It has vowed to protect its people around the world.Yet China’s image is at stake. Beijing has portrayed itself as an increasingly powerful force on the global stage economically, politically and militarily. It has vowed to protect its people around the world.
Moreover, the students and their parents make up an important constituency for the Communist Party. Many are upper middle class, if not wealthy. Foreign students could become virtual ambassadors for China as they rise in the ranks of business, politics or academia.Moreover, the students and their parents make up an important constituency for the Communist Party. Many are upper middle class, if not wealthy. Foreign students could become virtual ambassadors for China as they rise in the ranks of business, politics or academia.
“International students are generally the group most concerned about the motherland among overseas Chinese,” Gao Cheng, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, wrote in a social media post.“International students are generally the group most concerned about the motherland among overseas Chinese,” Gao Cheng, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, wrote in a social media post.
“They are also the most vulnerable group to the impact of the epidemic and possible wave of anti-China sentiment. They still need to have confidence in the country.”“They are also the most vulnerable group to the impact of the epidemic and possible wave of anti-China sentiment. They still need to have confidence in the country.”
The Chinese government has rushed to portray itself as helping out. In a series of public addresses over the past week, officials emphasized the role that Chinese embassies around the world have played in reaching out to students. They posted pictures of the health kits they sent to students that, as one official put it, will allow students to “feel the warmth and love from the motherland.”The Chinese government has rushed to portray itself as helping out. In a series of public addresses over the past week, officials emphasized the role that Chinese embassies around the world have played in reaching out to students. They posted pictures of the health kits they sent to students that, as one official put it, will allow students to “feel the warmth and love from the motherland.”
China has also publicized its efforts to rescue 1,457 students stranded in countries like Bangladesh, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Iran and Italy. On Thursday, a flight arrived in London to evacuate 180 Chinese students from Britain.China has also publicized its efforts to rescue 1,457 students stranded in countries like Bangladesh, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Iran and Italy. On Thursday, a flight arrived in London to evacuate 180 Chinese students from Britain.
The government “attaches great importance to and cares deeply about Chinese students abroad, and has taken major measures to protect their safety and health,” said Hua Chunying, a spokeswoman for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on March 31. “They are children of the motherland and the future of our country.”The government “attaches great importance to and cares deeply about Chinese students abroad, and has taken major measures to protect their safety and health,” said Hua Chunying, a spokeswoman for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on March 31. “They are children of the motherland and the future of our country.”
Getting them home will be difficult, however.Getting them home will be difficult, however.
One travel agency told Penny Pei, a 23-year-old graduate student of sensory science at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, that it could get her from Chicago to Shanghai for $10,000. Three days later, after the Chinese government slashed international flights even further, the price went up to $16,000.One travel agency told Penny Pei, a 23-year-old graduate student of sensory science at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, that it could get her from Chicago to Shanghai for $10,000. Three days later, after the Chinese government slashed international flights even further, the price went up to $16,000.
“I don’t want to pay for that nonsense,” said Ms. Pei, who in a moment of frustration took a screenshot of an ad she saw offering a $30,000 seat on a private jet. Now her frantic parents pester her constantly about if she is eating enough and whether she is lonely. (Yes to both.)“I don’t want to pay for that nonsense,” said Ms. Pei, who in a moment of frustration took a screenshot of an ad she saw offering a $30,000 seat on a private jet. Now her frantic parents pester her constantly about if she is eating enough and whether she is lonely. (Yes to both.)
“I really appreciate their concern,” she said, “but it gets a bit much.”“I really appreciate their concern,” she said, “but it gets a bit much.”
On Saturday, after two of her tickets were canceled and fearing additional travel restrictions in May, she paid a travel agency $12,000 for an economy class ticket from Chicago to Xiamen in mid-April.On Saturday, after two of her tickets were canceled and fearing additional travel restrictions in May, she paid a travel agency $12,000 for an economy class ticket from Chicago to Xiamen in mid-April.
“I’m still a little suspicious if I would eventually get to go back home because a lot can happen within these 10 days,” Ms. Pei said.“I’m still a little suspicious if I would eventually get to go back home because a lot can happen within these 10 days,” Ms. Pei said.
About 1.6 million Chinese students were studying abroad when the coronavirus struck, and 1.4 million of them are still there, according to official figures. The largest single group of students was in the United States, it said, totaling about 400,000.About 1.6 million Chinese students were studying abroad when the coronavirus struck, and 1.4 million of them are still there, according to official figures. The largest single group of students was in the United States, it said, totaling about 400,000.
Parents in China have watched in growing despair as infections and deaths have mounted in the United States — and as the Chinese government has taken steps to keep the outbreak from returning. After the government cut international flights, only 108 were scheduled to arrive last week in China from overseas, according to the Chinese Civil Aviation Administration, or about 1 percent of the total in better times.Parents in China have watched in growing despair as infections and deaths have mounted in the United States — and as the Chinese government has taken steps to keep the outbreak from returning. After the government cut international flights, only 108 were scheduled to arrive last week in China from overseas, according to the Chinese Civil Aviation Administration, or about 1 percent of the total in better times.
Rainey Jin, a 20-year-old undergraduate at New York University, made it out of the United States just in time. She flew to Taiwan via Hong Kong on her way back to the mainland. When she landed in Taipei on March 22, she learned that she was on one of the last flights before Taiwan banned all transit passengers. Family members inundated her with text messages, worrying about her travel and reminding her to keep her mask on at all times.Rainey Jin, a 20-year-old undergraduate at New York University, made it out of the United States just in time. She flew to Taiwan via Hong Kong on her way back to the mainland. When she landed in Taipei on March 22, she learned that she was on one of the last flights before Taiwan banned all transit passengers. Family members inundated her with text messages, worrying about her travel and reminding her to keep her mask on at all times.
“We are so young, but we have to face the difficulty ourselves because our family is not around us,” said Ms. Jin, who was on her third-to-last day of government-mandated quarantine in the Chinese city of Hangzhou on Friday. “We have to figure out how to get back home, or we have to decide ourselves if we have to stay or come back.”“We are so young, but we have to face the difficulty ourselves because our family is not around us,” said Ms. Jin, who was on her third-to-last day of government-mandated quarantine in the Chinese city of Hangzhou on Friday. “We have to figure out how to get back home, or we have to decide ourselves if we have to stay or come back.”
Some parents, like the letter writers to the Chinese ambassador to the United States, have called for the government to allow evacuation flights, a politically difficult take. Evacuations require close coordination with foreign governments that have their own travel restrictions in place.Some parents, like the letter writers to the Chinese ambassador to the United States, have called for the government to allow evacuation flights, a politically difficult take. Evacuations require close coordination with foreign governments that have their own travel restrictions in place.
It is not clear whether Chinese and United States officials have discussed evacuation flights.It is not clear whether Chinese and United States officials have discussed evacuation flights.
“I’m not aware that we are tracking Chinese students in the United States who are seeking assistance inasmuch as we are seeking to repatriate U.S. citizens from overseas,” said Ian Brownlee, principal deputy assistant secretary in the Bureau of Consular Affairs at the State Department.“I’m not aware that we are tracking Chinese students in the United States who are seeking assistance inasmuch as we are seeking to repatriate U.S. citizens from overseas,” said Ian Brownlee, principal deputy assistant secretary in the Bureau of Consular Affairs at the State Department.
Updated June 12, 2020 Updated June 16, 2020
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
For many people in China, the images from New York and other American cities look like a replay of Wuhan, the Chinese city where outbreak emerged. Their children, they fear, will be set adrift.For many people in China, the images from New York and other American cities look like a replay of Wuhan, the Chinese city where outbreak emerged. Their children, they fear, will be set adrift.
“They are not citizens,” said Zhengmei Sun, whose daughter, Jacquelyn Yang, 19, attends New York University. “They don’t have good health insurance. They don’t have any connections in society, only each other and the consulate.”“They are not citizens,” said Zhengmei Sun, whose daughter, Jacquelyn Yang, 19, attends New York University. “They don’t have good health insurance. They don’t have any connections in society, only each other and the consulate.”
Ms. Sun, 48, spent days and nights in her apartment in the Chinese city of Shenzhen looking for flights for Ms. Yang. Ms. Sun bought seven tickets with alternative routes as countries began to close borders. One early morning, as she found out that Canada and then Hong Kong would soon block nonresidents, she pounced on a $4,000 ticket to Hong Kong scheduled to depart hours later.Ms. Sun, 48, spent days and nights in her apartment in the Chinese city of Shenzhen looking for flights for Ms. Yang. Ms. Sun bought seven tickets with alternative routes as countries began to close borders. One early morning, as she found out that Canada and then Hong Kong would soon block nonresidents, she pounced on a $4,000 ticket to Hong Kong scheduled to depart hours later.
Ms. Yang rushed to John F. Kennedy International Airport with gloves, alcohol sprays and a mask — and made her flight. On Thursday, after Ms. Yang completed two weeks of quarantine, they celebrated Ms. Yang’s 19th birthday at a Shenzhen restaurant. While the government has showed sympathy, public attitudes in China have been less understanding. Online, many have reacted harshly to articles and videos about rich, young Chinese people taking private jets or complaining about their circumstances.Ms. Yang rushed to John F. Kennedy International Airport with gloves, alcohol sprays and a mask — and made her flight. On Thursday, after Ms. Yang completed two weeks of quarantine, they celebrated Ms. Yang’s 19th birthday at a Shenzhen restaurant. While the government has showed sympathy, public attitudes in China have been less understanding. Online, many have reacted harshly to articles and videos about rich, young Chinese people taking private jets or complaining about their circumstances.
Zhaojing Qian probably would not be among them. The 22-year-old graduate student at Stony Brook University in New York said she worried about getting on a plane with others who might get infected. She also said that she understood the Chinese government’s worries about a worsening outbreak.Zhaojing Qian probably would not be among them. The 22-year-old graduate student at Stony Brook University in New York said she worried about getting on a plane with others who might get infected. She also said that she understood the Chinese government’s worries about a worsening outbreak.
“China just overcame the coronavirus outbreak back there,” she said. “I know that the students going back is a big risk for them, and the American government has to focus on their citizens.”“China just overcame the coronavirus outbreak back there,” she said. “I know that the students going back is a big risk for them, and the American government has to focus on their citizens.”
University life has become lonely for Ms. Qian. Her roommate left for China a few days ago. But the emergency has created an unexpected bridge with her mother. Ms. Qian has attended boarding schools since she was 12, but her mother’s worries have brought new life to the relationship. In messages, Ms. Qian reassured her mother that she was eating properly, sending her photographs of her stocked fridge, home-cooked meals and cut fruit.University life has become lonely for Ms. Qian. Her roommate left for China a few days ago. But the emergency has created an unexpected bridge with her mother. Ms. Qian has attended boarding schools since she was 12, but her mother’s worries have brought new life to the relationship. In messages, Ms. Qian reassured her mother that she was eating properly, sending her photographs of her stocked fridge, home-cooked meals and cut fruit.
Frustrated that she couldn’t bring Ms. Qian home, her mother sent her a package for the first time: A packet of masks.Frustrated that she couldn’t bring Ms. Qian home, her mother sent her a package for the first time: A packet of masks.
“I’m going to cherish it,” she said. “I feel some love from her now. Before that, I thought I was just a kid in her life. Now I can feel that she cares for me.”“I’m going to cherish it,” she said. “I feel some love from her now. Before that, I thought I was just a kid in her life. Now I can feel that she cares for me.”
Claire Fu contributed research. Lara Jakes contributed reporting.Claire Fu contributed research. Lara Jakes contributed reporting.