Wuhan Struggles to Move On from Pandemic Legacy Five Years Later

CNChina|

Five years after the initial COVID-19 lockdown, Wuhan, the city where the coronavirus outbreak began, remains marked by an economic and social recovery process. Residents express a desire to forget the pandemic, with many avoiding discussions about it, according to a report by Sabine Gusbeth. Despite the gradual return to normalcy, local businesses are struggling with reduced foot traffic and lower sales.

The Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market, linked to the early virus cases, remains under wraps as officials seek to divert attention from its past. Silja Zhang, a doctor based in Wuhan, noted that the pandemic's traumas have largely been suppressed amid a national culture that discourages reflection on past hardships.

The World Health Organization has repeatedly urged China to disclose data regarding the virus's origins, emphasizing a need for transparency. Recent reports suggest that U.S. intelligence agencies have shifted toward considering a lab accident as a potential source, though most agencies still lean towards natural origins. The economic aftermath continues to pose challenges, with significant segments of the workforce suffering from prolonged financial instability.

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