An Irish man in Wuhan filmed himself walking on the empty streets in the Chinese city of Wuhan.
Geared up
Ben Kavanagh, a teacher in Wuhan, was heading out to a nearby supermarket to stock up on food that would last him for "weeks" before going back to his self-imposed quarantine.
In the video published by Channel 4 News, Kavanagh first geared himself up by wearing two face masks, and a pair of swimming goggles, which he said was "the most important", yet "silliest" thing.
Screengrab via Channel 4 News
He took care not to touch the elevator buttons on his way down his apartment building as well, using his knee to "knee" it instead.
Bringing along his backpack and a suitcase, the streets that greeted him when he first walked out to the outside world were mostly empty.
Screengrab via Channel 4 News
Kavanagh explained that the city has a population bigger than London's -- Wuhan is the largest city in the Hubei province, with a population of more than 11 million.
He then met up with a friend, who also brought along a suitcase.
Empty roads
On his way to the supermarket, Kavanagh noted that the roads were largely empty too, save for a few cars -- public transportation is shut down in the city and people risked being fined should they drive.
Screengrab via Channel 4 News
Before they got to Carrefour, they saw a puppy as well.
Although Kavanagh remarked that it was "cute", he was not going to risk his health by going up to it -- the coronavirus is a zoonotic disease, which means it can be transmitted from animals to humans.
Screengrab via Channel 4 News
Supermarket filled with people
At the supermarket, which was playing festive Chinese New Year songs, Kavanagh filmed the plastic gloves he was wearing, which he said was "ripped", but "whatever".
Screengrab via Channel 4 News
After getting the items he needed -- he skipped the meat produce -- he went to the self-checkout area, which was packed with people trying to stock up on food as well.
Screengrab via Channel 4 News
Shoppers there did not seem to interact much with one another, as they focused on their task at hand.
Screengrab via Channel 4 News
People queuing up at pharmacy
On the way back, Kavanagh saw a taxi, but decided against getting onto it -- the city had deployed 6,000 taxis to give free rides to commuters as public transportation had been shut down.
He also saw a line outside a pharmacy -- the only spot on the entire street where it seemed more life-like.
Screengrab via Channel 4 News
You can watch the video here:
You can watch another video here where he filmed himself cooking a simple meal of pasta, and celebrating his birthday alone with a can of beer in the locked down city.
In the video, he also mentioned he was in touch with his government about the possibility of going back to his country should it be safe to do so.
Related article:
Top image via Channel 4 News/YouTube
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