Customers at the upscale Wuhan International
Mall were greeted by employees who wore
masks and carried signs that said, “Please wear
masks all the way. Please don’t gather. Please
keep a safe distance.”
Automakers and other manufacturers in
Wuhan reopened but said they needed
to restore the flow of components from
suppliers before production can return to
normal levels.
Some were waiting for employees who went
to their hometowns for the Lunar New Year
holiday and were stranded when plane, train
and bus service in areas deemed at high risk
were suspended.
The owner of a candy shop in the Chuhe Hanjie
mall said two of her four employees were back
at work but she wasn’t sure whether the others
were willing to come back.
“We’ve only prepared a little stock,” said the
owner, Li Zhen. “Most people are still afraid of
the virus.”
A poster at the entrance to the mall asked
customers to wear masks and cooperate with
fever checks.
A banner nearby said, “Wuhan We Are Coming
Back. Thank You.”
Two women in protective clothing that
identified them as medical workers were
surrounded by pedestrians who waved Chinese
flags at them in a gesture of gratitude. Li gave
them bags of candy.
“We may have to wait for a while to see when
things can return to normal,” Li. said