Virus: Foreigners thankful in Guangzhou

After his community in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, relaxed its coronavirus lockdown, a foreign business representative was grateful.

"Thank you so much for your help," said Potier Remi Lucien Fernand, the business representative, after his community was unblocked on Tuesday.

He was so happy that he wrote a letter of thanks to the neighborhood committee in Guangzhou's Panyu district soon after he could walk out of his home.

"Unfortunately, a case of coronavirus was detected here, and we were blocked for 15 days. We would like to warmly thank you for the support you have given us both morally and materially," the 31-year-old Frenchman wrote in his letter.

"We were able to easily and regularly receive fresh food, and we were treated with respect. The medical staff were generally friendly as well. Thank you also for the notifications in English, which were useful, and I have received your gift of zongzi — the Dragon Boat Festival food. It was delicious."

"I remain of course at your disposal if a new crisis arises. Thank you again to the whole team, as well as to the Chinese government and to the one who manages the city of Guangzhou. Thank you for doing your job, which is not always easy," he added.

Fernand immediately phoned the local community office for foreigners to get help when his community was blocked on May 30 and he was required to stay at home.

After receiving his call, local neighborhood officials and volunteers helped him purchase food and daily necessities and sent him zongzi as a festival gift on Monday.

Meanwhile local volunteers also helped him take his relevant documents, contracts and related materials from his company to his home, allowing him to work there.

Fernand is not alone.

Many foreigners have thanked local government officials, neighborhood committee staff and volunteers who have been working to fight the virus.

Nuckcheddy Parvez, 44, a businessman from Mauritius, said he deeply loves Guangzhou after living in the city for six months.

When Luopu community in Panyu district reported a case of COVID-19, he immediately registered to become a volunteer to help residents prevent the spread of the virus.

"I can speak both English and French, so I can help more foreigners in the community," he said.

Nigerian Obeta Innocent, 48, said the Chinese government had done a good job and that local officials and residents fought the virus valiantly.