Originally posted by the Voice of America.
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Scared, Angry and Locked Down, Wuhan Residents Speak Up

Li Ya

   WASHINGTON - Wuhan enjoys a reputation as a transport and manufacturing
   hub at the confluence of the Han and Yangtze rivers. Often compared to
   Chicago in the United States, Wuhan is best known today as the center
   of an outbreak of a deadly coronavirus, the first city locked down by
   Chinese authorities intent on containing the spreading pneumonia-like
   illness. Here are comments from Wuhan residents collected by VOA's
   Mandarin Service. The names used are those chosen by the speakers.

   On making the choice to flee or stay in Wuhan:

   On social media, Siwen described fleeing Wuhan as "a night of horror"
   and expressed anger at the "shameless" authorities who closed down the
   city at night. Here are some responses to his decision that encapsulate
   the debate over staying or fleeing.

   Many expressed support for Siwen's decision to fly out with his
   grandmother and in-laws. "Fleeing is right," said People in Dreams. "No
   one thinks you are selfish." The Lone Ranger applauded Siwen, saying
   "Wuhan will soon face a humanitarian crisis." Li Ming Tao said "Due to
   the failure of the government to prevent an epidemic threatening the
   health of Wuhan, people have the right to flee because they cannot get
   the right treatment. Even sick people fled. From a human perspective,
   it is understandable."

   Others took aim at Siwen. "I hope you die fast. Don't infect others
   everywhere," said one. Another asked "You want to contribute to the
   spread of the epidemic?"

   Siwen responded to critics by saying his family passed a strict
   inspection before leaving the city when it was still open, and is now
   in self-imposed quarantine in a location he did not name.

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