People are Getting Creative to Cope with Coronavirus Confinement

The hashtag #在家里无聊如何打发时间# (“How to pass the time when bored at home”) is trending on Sina Weibo, as coronavirus-induced confinement continues to have the nation in its grip.

While the serious repercussions of the virus’ spread are being played out in news media and online, life in lockdown — whether enforced or voluntary — is bringing out the creative side in many a Chinese netizen climbing the walls. People have been fishing indoors, creating makeshift badminton courts, and even teaching their pets mathematics.

With travel restrictions in place across much of the country at a time when many people would be going on holiday, some have resorted to offering tours of their own apartments:

Some of those under lockdown decided to look a little further afield. Videos have been circulating of people in Wuhan yelling across apartment complexes for anyone to spark up some conversation with, while videos posted on social media on January 28 showed some citizens of Wuhan shouting “武汉，加油!” out of their windows — literally translating to “Wuhan, add oil!” and meaning “Come on” or “Hang in there, Wuhan!”

Another contender in “how to beat the boredom” has been the Chinese state media’s livestream of the construction of two new hospitals authorities in Wuhan are building to fight the outbreak. At its height, the livestream has been attracting tens of millions of viewers following every nut and bolt tightened on the high-speed constructions.

Of course, despite some of the more light-hearted distractions on social media, many people continue to be deeply concerned about developments related to the novel coronavirus. We recommend staying abreast of the news via trusted outlets and following the relevant health advice issued by authorities including the WHO.

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