Editor's note: In the battle with the COVID-19 epidemic, more and more fighters are coming to its front lines, including students and former students of the Open University of China (OUC). Like other fighters, no matter how ordinary, they are contributing what they can. Let's take a close look at some of their stories.
Yao Ruoshui, 76, graduated with a degree in Performance Art (vocal music) from the School of Humanities at the Shanghai branch of the Open University of China (OUC) in 2015, and is currently majoring in Art Design (class of 2019) at the same school. Despite his age, he loves learning, and is always willing to help, such as by volunteering in nursing homes. After the COVID-19 outbreak began, Yao Ruoshui did not hesitate to sign up when the Zhoudong community was recruiting volunteers.
Since the Spring Festival, Yao Ruoshui has been busy at the Zhoudong apartments, managing returnees to Shanghai, handling passes, taking body temperatures, doing inspections, and so on. His manner is pleasant, and he has helped make the process of transmission control run smoothly. This has included reminding residents to wear masks, wash their hands frequently, and go out as little as possible; he also patiently answers all their questions, and strives to make them feel at ease.
Most residents of the apartments come from elsewhere, and returned from their hometowns after the Spring Festival. Yao Ruoshui needed to check them carefully and ask them to isolate at home, while giving special care to residents already in quarantine. He picks up parcels and food for them, among other errands, while also cleaning and doing garbage removal. With some residents anxious about having returnees enter the community, and requesting centralised isolation for them, Yao Ruoshui has patiently explained the policies and encouraged them to be considerate of their neighbours.
Yao Ruoshui manages both a community and an urban village, and the relatively complex mix of residents there makes management more difficult than usual. Volunteers often encounter people who want to enter the community without a pass, and sometimes they refuse to cooperate. Yao Ruoshui listens to their grievances, and makes sure they understand the policies.
In view of Yao Ruoshui's age, the authorities have tried to reduce his work load, and some residents have donated food to him. His colleagues enjoy working with him, since he is outgoing and enthusiastic, and can teach them how to deal with problems.
Yao Ruoshui deals with the many facets of community service in a patient, meticulous and considerate manner. In this crisis, he is not allowing age to get in his way, and is admired by many young people. Asked why he became a volunteer, Yao said that he considers it his responsibility to help control the epidemic; he shoulders his responsibility, just as everyone at the Shanghai Branch has always shouldered theirs.
By OUC News Network