When Evelyn Ma’s two-year-old daughter developed a high fever and cough, she and her husband became worried. They took their daughter to a nearby children’s hospital in Jinan, only to find chaos upon arrival. China had seen a sharp rise in cases of influenza, pneumonia, RSV, and common cold viruses in early October, leading to a strain on hospitals, particularly those for children.
Despite arriving in the early morning, they didn’t see a doctor until the late afternoon due to the surge in people seeking medical attention. Concerns arose over a potential new pandemic outbreak, but the World Health Organization determined there was no cause for alarm.
Ma’s daughter recovered, but the experience brought back painful memories of previous hospital visits. The zero-COVID policy in China came to an abrupt end, sparking protests and leaving many traumatized.
Mental health struggles were widespread, with people suffering from panic attacks, loneliness, and nightmares. Trauma from strict lockdowns and delayed food supplies still affects many individuals. While the zero-COVID policy initially seemed successful, it ultimately caused immense suffering and hardship for many.
Despite this, there has been little discussion or reflection on the impact of COVID-19 and the zero-COVID policy. This lack of reflection raises concerns about the potential for similar mistakes to occur in the future.