Hello everyone! The spread of the Coronavirus in Europe and the first confirmed case in Cyprus, have affected the hearts of all overseas Chinese in Cyprus and your relatives and friends. After coming together and seeing the early results of the solidarity with the motherland ’s anti-epidemic struggle, you are now investing again. Coming to my own fight against epidemic disease, on behalf of the Chinese government, I would like to express my sincere thanks to all overseas Chinese in Cyprus and to express my best wishes and condolences to your loved ones who you care about and support your distant motherland.
With the emergence of 7 confirmed cases, including the “North Cyprus” area, this last fortress in Europe was attacked by ruthless and pervasive public enemies. This broke the “Myth of the island” that had successfully escaped several plagues in history, and also caused a certain degree of panic among the compatriots who had previously been fortunate to “hide into a small building and unify”. Some people started to stockpile in preparation, and some people planned to buy tickets to return to China, and some people have some unrealistic ideas. Here, I would like to share a few suggestions, I hope to help everyone.
First, establish three kinds of confidence: first, confidence in the China. China’s anti-epidemic struggle has achieved positive results. The Chinese people’s efforts and sacrifices have gained time and experience, which not only saved themselves but also helped the world. The second is confidence in the embassy. The embassy in Cyprus will uphold the concept of diplomacy for the people, and provide timely and authoritative information, consultation, anti-epidemic guidance and consular protection for overseas Chinese in Cyprus. The third is confidence in China-Cyprus cooperation in fighting the epidemic. The relevant departments of Cyprus should be in place in a timely manner. The natural geographical conditions and the relatively independent living environment are conducive to the implementation of measures such as “isolation”. China and Cyprus have a solid foundation of friendship. The government’s policy guidance and public opinion do not support anti-China exclusion.
Second, reduce three types of behaviors: First, don’t spread rumors to scare yourself. In the words of WHO officials, panic and rumors are the biggest viruses. The existing public information platforms such as the official website of the embassy, Facebook, Twitter, WeChat public account “House of Eros”, consular protection and assistance hotline will provide you with reliable information and authoritative release in a timely manner, and you can make full use of it. Second, avoid flying around as it increases the risk of infection. I know that many of my compatriots have come to Cyprus to avoid danger due to the severe domestic epidemic situation. Riding more planes and ships may increase the risk of infection. The warmth of your home in Cyprus and the sunshine of the island may be safer than travelling. The third is don’t panic. Sufficient material preparation is definitely needed, but following trends or buying rumors will not only cause loss and waste, but also bring panic and worry. Rational response and scientific prevention and control are always the principles that guide us in fighting the epidemic.
Three, strengthen the awareness: First, strengthen the awareness of joint prevention and control. Cooperate with the local government to cancel the party, meet the consular protection needs of the embassy, and cooperate with the appeal for medical supplies. The second is to strengthen mutual awareness. Set up a mutual assistance group so that once isolated or sick, you can communicate information easily, help each other to take care, and get treatment as soon as possible. The third is to strengthen your resolve against complacency. Don’t leave things to fate and assume that things are out of our control. Hegel reminded us that the greatest lesson that history has taught us is we always forget the lessons of history. Durant warned us that we might be tripped over by a stone that caused others to fall over. Let us look at history and learn from others mistakes and experience and let us spend time together in the House of Eros and overcome the epidemic.
