Rabbi Dubi Henig, who works in Chengdu, says the city is paralyzed • He is in contact with Jews in the affected areas and with concerned parents in Israel: "We have become the Western Wall"

• "The streets are empty." The Henig family in Chengdu // Photo: Rabbi Dubi Henig

The corona virus continues to spread throughout China, causing panic in the huge country. To date, more than 1,400 people have been infected with the mysterious virus and in the country making efforts to control the situation. A huge hospital is in advanced stages of construction and the authorities are not sparing efforts to calm the spirits and care for residents who fear for their lives.

Rabbi Dubi Hennig, Chabad Envoy to Chengdu City, tells Israel Today that although there is no problem getting out of the city, which is about three hours by train from the city of Wahan, where the virus erupted, residents have few to leave the streets. In Sichuan Province, where Dozens of casualties have been found in the city so far, and local and global media coverage is causing fear in the heart of the residents and these are closing in on their homes.
"The whole city is paralyzed," he says. "The Chinese are panicking from this story. Almost no taxis and the trains and buses are empty. Restaurants, bars and entertainment venues have been closed down by the authorities. People are wary and less on the streets. If they only go out with masks. We, of course, also obey instructions."

Evacuation of injured person in hospital // Photo: AFP

The sensations in the street also give their signal to the Jewish activity in the place. In the city, according to Rabbi Henig, there are about 400 Jews, who are like a family every day. However, last Friday there was a slump in the number of Friday night hosts. "There were nine people here, I don't remember a situation like that. There are always dozens who come to stay. People are afraid to gather together, afraid maybe someone who sticks will come."

Despite the panic, Rabbi Henig is trying to calm the spirits, there is still no immediate danger to residents' lives. "This is rank 2, overall one rank above the normal state. Although it is not a normal situation, so people panic and write 'and you are very much saved for your souls', but if a person is careful, put a mask, wash hands and not mix in public for the next week or two it is less dangerous."

Instructions in Chinese to close entertainment and public areas // Photo: Rabbi Dubi Hennig

Helping Jews in the city and region deal with the fear of the virus // Photo: Rabbi Dubi Hennig

Rabbi Hennig notes that in recent days he has received many inquiries from concerned parents from Israel who are anxious for the fate of their loved ones. "I get a lot of concerned parents' phones. We have a responsibility and we will take care of every Jew instead of in the event of a crisis, but it's important to understand - it's dangerous but you don't have to worry too much. I'd love to get the message out - of course parents should worry about children, but it's not a holocaust In China, trying to make it sound like everyone is going to die - that's not the case. "

In China, significant efforts are being made to update the public - sending messages on how to defend against the virus and referring to hospitals if necessary. At the same time, Rabbi Hennig and the Chabad House staff are working with increased intensity on the part of the Jews. "We spoke to a resident of Wauhan who said that the authorities turned and checked if anyone needed food," he notes. "There are no injured Jews. We are meanwhile on a small fire in terms of activity, but on a large fire in terms of phones. People constantly want to meet with us one-on-one. We became Chengdu's Western Wall, "he smiles.