Joanne Peh is currently in Guangzhou with her children, while her husband, Qi Yuwu returned to Singapore yesterday (Jan. 29).

What it's like in Guangzhou

Peh said that she is currently attending to some personal matters involving her children that was unfinished before the Chinese New Year break.

In a statement shared with Mothership, Peh reflected on the situation in China, saying that shops are generally closed and malls may turn away patrons who do not don masks.

"The streets are pretty empty and shops are generally closed. Some malls have restricted access to one main entrance with temperature screenings and will turn away patrons who do not put on masks. I am in Guangzhou and while we are still able to step out of the house, I can only imagine what it’s like to be at the epicenter of the virus outbreak where people are not allowed to leave their homes."

She said that her family is mostly staying home and keeping themselves hydrated and warm.

They also wear masks if they have to leave the house, try to stay away from crowds, and wash their hands regularly.

"Whatever we are reading and hearing is discouraging but I am staying alert and taking necessary precautions so as not to be misled by irrational fear," Peh added.

Living with in-laws

Peh, who told Mothership that she is currently living with her in-laws, said that they would take care of their meals and help keep her children occupied.

Regarding her children, she said that she has explained the need for them to wash their hands properly and wear masks.

She shared that a kind fan from Shanghai had shipped masks to her early on as they were unable to get any in Guangzhou.

When it came to masks for her children, however, she found that she had to improvise a little:

"We can’t get hold of any children’s masks so I’m stitching up the adult ones to fit their face better. It’s not ideal but it’s the best I can do with what I have for now."

Keeping spirits up despite being away from husband

Peh shared that she misses her husband, and wishes they could be together.

However, she is trying to stay positive and keep her spirits up:

"I choose to practice gratitude for what we have and to be grateful to those who are working hard to save lives, research about the virus and keep everyone safe."

Peh is also grateful that she and her children have "settled into a nice stay home routine here that is calm and predictable". She said:

"To my children who don’t quite understand what’s going on in the big world out there, I’m staying positive and I am very grateful that they are really understanding about not being able to go out"

Peh said that she will be returning to Singapore in early February.

Some of Peh's training and meetings for upcoming projects will also have to be postponed until she has taken her 14 days of Leave of Absence.

Top photo via Joanne Peh Instagram.

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