Coronavirus outbreak: No masks, running out of food – Tamil Nadu medicos’ Chinese nightmare

TIRUCHY: Students from Tamil Nadu pursuing medicine from the Wuhan University in China are too scared to leave their rooms. They have been staying indoors for the past two days, fearing the coronavirus.

Reports say close to 900 have contracted the virus, of whom at least 26 have succumbed. While most of the cases are being reported from Wuhan in Hubei Province, the World Health Organization is seized on the matter. In India, at least 10 incoming passengers have been put under observation.

Speaking to Express, a handful of Tamil students at the University said the Chinese government had imposed a complete shutdown in Wuhan, as a result of which food and mask prices have skyrocketed. The students said they were in dire need of food and basic amenities, and wanted to be moved out to another city till the outbreak is contained.

“While some of them are staying in the University hostel, rest of us are in rented rooms with no help available,” said P Manishankar, a final year student from Pudukkottai.

“I have not been able to get a protective mask owing to heavy demand,” said Manishankar. “All students are scared of leaving their rooms, as the threat looms large.” Manishankar said the Indian Embassy had called them and given the hotline numbers.