The Limited Times

Daily life in Beijing at the time of the coronavirus

2/10/2020, 6:58:36 PM


GREAT STORY - At a time when neighborhoods, like minds, are barricading, our correspondent Sébastien Falletti tells of the great psychosis that has enveloped China since the emergence of 2019-nCoV.

From our special correspondent in Beijing

In the heart of the ghost capital, each residence turns into a fort and a fever fever makes you a suspect.

This is a case of force majeure. The toilet bowl overflows. For the third time in a few months, the toilet flush is on its own, in this apartment overlooking the very socialist Workers' Stadium. I go down in search of a plumber. In the elevator, a box of Kleenex is taped to the wall, distributing tissues so as not to touch the call buttons with your skin. You can never be too careful. In the entrance hall, a white plastic chandelier laden with glassware overhangs the window, where the branded banner of the sickle and hammer stands.

Read also: Coronavirus: and now, what scenario for the epidemic?

Loudspeakers spit out propaganda to mobilize the masses to face the "epidemic" threat in the deserted hall. At the counter, the receptionist with false eyelashes, camouflaged behind a surgical mask, looks at me bewildered. "You are sure you wish

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