Albanian doctor from Beijing speaks of the situation of Albanians in China after the spread of the Coronobrus

Bledar Isaac for 13 years lives and works in China.

He studied medicine at Beijing University. Through an interview of questions answered via email with Top Channel journalist Muhamed Veliu, he speaks of the current situation in China after Coronavirius' appearance, emphasising the Albanian community there.

Bledar first wants to know how you personally feel in China after this frightening flu epidemic!

Hello, Mr. Veliu. Thank you for the time and opportunity to hear not only my voice as an Albanian citizen in the Republic of China. I personally feel good and have no health concerns.

Are you affected by the area where you live?

I have been living in Beijing for 13 years and on the basis of official local or international reliable and academic information, the city where I live has had touch cases, although the origin of the virus is not Beijing, since this event coincided with the Chinese New Year's, population movement is difficult to control and there has been such spread. I want to stress that there are no Albanian citizens (for the 300 I'm aware of) that not only has there not been infection of them, but also suspicious symptoms that may be related to such a virgin, so far there hasn't been.

You've studied medicine in China from the medical point of view of how the situation is coping?

From the medical point of view, the measures taken are in the service of every local or foreign citizen, as long as it is a specific virus, however, belongs to epidemological disease and preventing spread is the right way, limiting populated areas or increasing personal hygiene.

There are various reports suggesting that the extent of the virus's distribution is greater than what authorities report there. What is the truth?

I'm not aware of the truth of information that reports various sources. I can say that local authorities and the WHO, along with medical resources, are consistent, although there is a minimal difference, as long as there is a priority of getting and examining people who look at medical institutions and the exact updating of figures in real time is a bit difficult, but there is no confirmation that they are of the levels promoted in the media 900,000 or where I know. I stress that local and international reliable and official resources are rough. I just can't say more because I'd push myself into speculation and don't think it's ethical. The land zombie information or 90 thousand people are groundless. True, there is little movement on the road, since sensibility has been rapid and citizens are taking steps to protect themselves and others.

Is there a new element of how this virus has spread?

The causes of the spread of this virus are public facts and how transmission works from different animals, medical resources are open to the public, and everyone should take personal initiative, besides sensibility by authorities or the media, to take appropriate measures. The virus is suspected to have been transmitted by animals like snakes, bats, and then to man after possible mutation.

Let's take a look at the Albanian community there. Since you've been 13 years in China what is the number of Albanians living and working?

I am unaware of the exact total number of Albanian citizens there in China, because this information should be sought by Albanian authorities if there is a confirmed number. This information is out of my competence and personal knowledge, but I know that with 300 Albanians I'm aware of and contact through social networks, I stress once again, no one has had symptoms related to this virus.

You've had contact with Albanians there, and what do they say, what needs do they have?

We're in constant contact and we share information and thoughts together. The main concern and main demand, and here it expresses everyone's concern, or at least most of those 300 citizens, is directed to the media and portals in our country not to spread the news of clicks and hunt for scoop media. Family members in Albania are more concerned than ourselves here because they hear a lot of news that, for the sake of truth, not only inaccurate, but in some ways not ethical by the media. There's no room for panic right now, it's not out of control. Of course, concern exists among all, since it is not certain how to proceed further, but this information is not being erased or made public, but no one can give that answer because it is a situation that is still happening, but I want to stress that it does not spread panic because it harms members in Albania more than we are here.

The secondary requirement is how to proceed with a small number of Albanians who are in the affected or declared closed areas. The request is for information on how to proceed, but with contact and with the Albanian Embassy in Beijing I have been informed that they are in contact and conversation with local authorities here. The demand is that people who feel vulnerable to how they can get back to Albania, but this demand is unreasonable at the moment because they have to confirm that they are not affected by the virus and that priority is definitely people who have suspicious symptoms and concerns about whether I'm taking the virus is an issue that is not primary at the moment.

Some Albanians have contacted Top Channel, appealing for help to return to Albania. How much amediate do you think is their request?

About how much their demand is, everyone appreciates it. I know to say that the infected man, Albanian citizens, does not. Most Albanians do not live in the few cities that have been declared isolated or with strict controls. Airports are functional. I live in Beijing, and Beijing Airport has flights, normally with increased controls, which are understandable. Requesting assistance for the state to receive in Albania, I do not know the state procedures or how many competencies the law or state has to meet those requirements. But personally and for many others, we can fly to other destinations outside China at any moment that everyone sees reasonable.

In my logic, I run or I stay personal. If there are financial or family reasons to afford flying costs, I don't know how to give answers because I'm not a state administration. If I personally see it necessary, I can leave the city where I am (at least until I write. I've taken precautions by limiting exits, increasing personal hygiene, especially washing hands and wearing a mask in public, and I don't appreciate the decision to leave.

There is much concern in their families in Albania what is your message to them?

The message is for all families and Albanians to be sensationalised for prevention and effective measures only by medical specialists and elsewhere, in particular the Internet or social platforms. Please respect the profession of doctors and follow appropriate instructions.

For the members of the Albanians in China, I'd like to tell you that it's understandable to a parent's concern and anxiety, because we all have parents, but I want to tell them JEM MIRA! Healthy, and we are taking all the measures needed to stay healthy. There's no place to panic, but careful we need to be doing this. So we embrace you from a distance and everything will be fine!