Wuhan emerges from the shadow of COVID-19

A new era

Xiao, the Wuhan resident, said his fear of the virus eased when he saw how the makeshift hospitals were quickly erected and medics started arriving from other parts of the country. "The Wuhan people really appreciated all the help we received at the time. We will never forget that, even when the epidemic is fully over," he said.

The last medical team that came to aid Wuhan left the city on April 15, 2020, marking a new phase of epidemic control in the city. Many people gathered along the roads to see the team off. They held banners that read, "Thanks for risking your lives to save ours."

Since 2021, the Wuhan government has been inviting medical workers who aided the city to return and see the beautiful springtime cherry blossoms, which are famous across China. They were unable to enjoy them in 2020 because of the strict epidemic control measures.

This year, more than 16,000 medical workers have been invited back to the city. Once again, they received a warm welcome. On March 18, a special viewing session was arranged for them for the third year running at Wuhan University, one of the most popular spots to see the cherry blossoms in the city.

Zhao, from Wuhan Hankou Hospital, said that in addition to the help provided by medical workers, Wuhan people will remember the support of those in other parts of the country. "We received many messages from people around China, offering encouragement and giving us strength during the most difficult times. Such emotional support was priceless," she said.

"Wuhan people are very tough. We fought the epidemic hard, and now we are playing hard. I had to abandon a plan to visit the East Lake last weekend because the traffic jam there was scary. Don't get me wrong: I am not complaining — I am glad to see that Wuhan has recovered so well and that people are enjoying their lives."