Just before the Spring Festival, the epidemic of COVID-19 raged on the land of China. In these difficult times, prevention and control are a responsibility. Ji Chunhua, deputy director of the Health Committee of the Qingpu District, was resting at home when he learned about the spread of the epidemic. After that, he decided to gave up the Spring Festival celebrations with his family and volunteered to join the war against the epidemic.
Ji was sent in August 2019 to Mangshi, in Dehong, Yunnan to do assistance work. On January 24 this year, only 6 years after returning from Yunnan, he read about the new outbreaks of COVID-19 in China. When the city initiated a first-level public health emergency, he requested to undertake tasks to participate in the fight against the epidemic.
“Even if my job is in Yunnan, I am still a member of the Qingpu health system. Since the current situation of the epidemic is quite complicated, I feel I have no reason to stay at home. I want to join my colleagues and fight along them side by side”, said Ji.
Ji was originally in charge of the community health work, so he was very familiar with the job he has to undertake. He quickly took over the quarantine work and was the main responsible for body temperature detection and registration of people who came from outside Shanghai. Several meetings were convened, Ji, as one the directors of the 11 community health service centers participated to every one of them.
Ji worked during uncountable shifts day and night. Because his sense of duty, he could not help but to supervise every step of the protection work. Even if he was really fatigued, he undertook several tasks personally.
“One of the keys to combat this epidemic is the quarantine and the prevention. If we do not pay attention to this, we will pay the consequences. Since we are in the “west gate” of Shanghai, we must do the best to avoid any new imported cases”, said Ji.
Anyone who knows Ji know that he has a strong sense of responsibility, dedication, and love. One example of this is when he learned of the shortage of materials in Hubei. Soon after knowing this, he contacted the medical staff in Hubei to understand their needs. Afterwards, he collected money from his friends and relatives and he ensured that this financial assistance arrived on time.
Dehong in Yunnan is also Ji Chinhua’s “second hometown”, so he felt very worried about what could happen there. After several days of collection, he delivered 16,000 masks, 160 isolation suits and 200 protective masks to Dehong.
February 2nd was Ji Chunhua’s 47th birthday and also his wedding anniversary. On such a special day, he wanted to gather together with his wife and family, but his responsibilities made him chose to work instead. The staff in the office bought a cake for him and celebrated in a very simple way. “He has been far from home for several nights, working hard and helping everyone. He deserves this”.
“All I do is what a medical worker should do. My wife is also a medical worker, so she always gave me her support. Although we did not speak today, I think she will understand me. There will be countless wedding anniversaries in the future”, explained Ji.
Not long ago, Ji Chinghua’s father in law was hospitalized because of pancreatitis. Even if he has already busy with his work, he went to the hospital every day to take care of him. After that, he rushed to his office. When he finished his shift, he went back to the hospital and see his father in law again. After confirming that everything was ok, he could back home again.
The epidemic is ruthless, but at least the is love on earth. The epidemic prevention work mobilized many people nationwide, like Ji Chunhua, who gave up the opportunity to came back home and celebrate with his family. Like him, there are many examples of people who gave their effort to fight the epidemic.
Today, Ji carried his heavy suitcase again and continued his trip to Yunnan. He will be soon in his “second hometown, protecting the safety of its people. From here, let us say to him: “Director Ji, have a good trip and we hope everything goes well”.
