"This is temporarily the best approach. The characteristics of this virus are similar to a common cold. If we can isolate it and implement proper precautions, it should be controllable!"
Minister Gao explained.
"Then, since that's the case and there are no better options, we'll do as planned. As you said, the sooner we act, the better. Controlling it on a small scale is much better than letting it get out of control! Tell me your specific suggestions for measures!"
The leader had spoken, and Minister Gao's tension finally eased. This way, even if there were minor flaws in his work, it wouldn't block his path to promotion.
"Yes, leader. This is what I propose: We can first announce the lockdown through online channels. Immediately after the lockdown, we will hold a press conference to explain the situation to everyone. To put it bluntly, this might turn out to be another epidemic... On the other hand, we need to expand the hospital's admission capacity..."
Minister Gao, in one breath, presented all the plans he had thought of beforehand, as well as some that were not fully considered, for the leader's decision.
"Good, good, good. Your proposed solutions require further study. However, let's proceed with the initial arrangements as planned!"
Having received the leader's affirmation, Minister Gao immediately made arrangements.
In the evening, a message appeared online.
"From 00:00 on April 5th, road traffic control will be implemented throughout Sandong City. Please do not leave Sandong City. Everyone is urged to stay at home and await further notice regarding the resumption of normal operations..."
The speed at which this message spread was no less than the spread of a virus, and it quickly reached every corner of Sandong City.
"Hey, are you going out!"
"Yes, I'm going to buy some things!"
"Is the vegetable market not busy at this hour?"
"Why go to the vegetable market? I advise you to quickly buy some rice, flour, oil, and grains. I'm afraid if they seal the city, we won't even have food and drink!"
"Hehe, is it really that exaggerated? Who told you that?"
"My daughter called and said they're going to seal the city, and several people are very ill. This time, it might be a disaster. Sigh, I won't say any more, I have to go quickly. You should also go buy some things to stock up. Talk later, talk later!"
The aunt said, and left in a hurry.
"Hmph! Who cares, if the sky falls, there will be tall people to hold it up!"
Another aunt was not as panicked, seemingly thinking the first one was too sensitive!
This scene was overheard by Bai Suxiang and Liu Sandao as they returned home. Liu Sandao's already slightly troubled brow furrowed even deeper.
As they approached the entrance, Liu Sandao suddenly stopped.
"You go home first, I have something to attend to!"
"What is it? Can I help?"
"This... I'm afraid you can't help! Wait at home for news. If anything happens, I'll call you!"
Liu Sandao appeased her. If it were truly about restless spirits, Bai Suxiang's presence would only distract him. It was better for her to wait at home for news.
Liu Sandao turned and left.
Seeing that Liu Sandao disagreed, Bai Suxiang had no choice but to drop it.
She opened the door and said, "I'm back!"
"Oh, you're back just in time. Did you see the news about the city lockdown? Is it true!"
Guo Xiufang immediately asked as soon as she heard Bai Suxiang return.
"Really? Let me see!"
Bai Suxiang said, and quickly ran to the living room.
The television was indeed broadcasting information about the "city lockdown." Just then, the phone rang.
"It's your younger brother, take a look!"
Guo Xiufang glanced at Bai Fuchi's phone and said.
"Hand it over!"
Bai Fuchi said, extending his hand, waiting for Guo Xiufang to give him the phone.
"Hello!"
"Big brother, are you okay? How is your health?"
"Much better, much better! How have you all been lately?"
"We're fine! But how about you? Have you seen the news on your social media feed?"
"What news? What social media feed?"
"It says Sandong City is going to be locked down, and that there are viruses everywhere in Sandong City. Many people are taking advantage of the fact that it's not sealed yet and are fleeing. "
"How can it be so exaggerated! There's no movement here!"
Bai Fuchi said calmly, wondering who was spreading rumors and causing social unrest.
"Sigh, stop dawdling. Quickly pack up and come to our village to stay for a while. I've already made arrangements for you. Bring your sister-in-law and niece to stay with us for a bit!"
"No, no! It's not that exaggerated!"
Bai Fuchi declined.
Guo Xiufang, listening to their phone conversation, muttered to Bai Suxiang, "Your uncle still has you, his elder brother, in his heart!"
Bai Suxiang remained silent, patiently listening to her father and uncle's conversation.
"Really, really, don't take it lightly! I heard people have died! If it's too late, and the city is locked down, you might get infected!"
The voice on the other end of the phone became noticeably anxious, his speech speeding up, as if he was afraid Bai Fuchi wouldn't believe him. This, while unsettling, made the authenticity of the news even more uncertain.
"People have died? Is that true or not?"
Guo Xiufang's face immediately changed when she heard about people dying, and she exclaimed loudly.
"Yes, yes, several people in our village are saying that. I really think you shouldn't delay! Quickly pack up and leave Sandong City!"
The uncle's voice grew louder and more urgent.
"But we just came back from the hospital and didn't hear about anyone dying!"
Bai Suxiang said with certainty. She and Liu Sandao had just taken a taxi back from the hospital, and the journey was only about half an hour. How could it be...
"You're still too young. If you were allowed to know the news, wouldn't the whole country know? These are all rumors, closest to the truth. Big brother, you need to make a decision, quickly! I'll hang up now! Quickly!"
As soon as Bai Fuchi placed his phone on the coffee table beside him, Guo Xiufang cried out, "It's not good! It's true, people have really died!"
"Ah?"
Bai Fuchi straightened up with a jolt, his eyes fixed on the television screen. A line of text appeared at the very bottom of the screen: One critically ill patient, due to viral infection, died despite medical treatment!
"People have died, they've really died. What are we going to do?"
Guo Xiufang said nervously, her heart in a flutter, not knowing what to do.
"Let's get out of the city quickly. Could our second brother have been right!"
Bai Fuchi was not as panicked, but his heart was not calm at this moment.
"Okay, okay, but can your body handle it?"
Guo Xiufang looked at Bai Fuchi and said. Although his injury had largely healed, it wasn't completely recovered. If they were to travel, she didn't know if he could endure it.
"I can manage, no problem. Quickly, contact a car!"
Bai Fuchi instructed.
"Okay, okay!"
Bai Suxiang responded, and went into the room to get her phone. She skillfully opened the app and entered the destination. However, cars heading out of the city were unavailable. If she wanted to wait for a car, she would have to queue!