BENGALURU: Kannadigas residing in China, where a large number of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections are said to have been reported, say life in their current abode is as normal as ever and there are no signs of any outbreak or pandemic-like situation.
Social media posts to this effect from Kannadigas in China have come in the backdrop of HMPV infections raising concern in the state.
In a video clip gaining traction on social media, Raju Nayak, a Kannadiga living in Dalian, China, shared a slice of everyday life in the country. “I live in the northern part of China. The reason I’m sharing this video is that there’s so much misinformation spreading about a supposed virus outbreak here — claims of overcrowded hospitals, panic, and chaos. But look around; life is completely normal,” he told his audience in Kannada.
Also See:HMPV Virus
Nayak’s video painted a vivid picture: Busy streets, open malls, and mask-free faces. “There’s no disruption to daily life here. Everything is functioning as usual. The visuals being shared on social media are misleading,” he said, urging people to avoid unnecessary panic.
In another clip, Nayak took viewers to Dalian’s Olympic Square and one of its main hospitals to debunk more rumours. “People in Karnataka are worried about HMPV in China, but there’s nothing to fear,” he explained while pointing to the calm surroundings. Holding the camera, Nayak stepped into the hospital, showcasing empty corridors. “Yes, there are flu cases due to the chilly weather, but it’s nowhere near the exaggerated claims circulating online. One of my friends told me he thought there was no place to even set foot in the hospitals, but nothing of that sort is happening here. Please refrain from spreading fake news,” he said.
Nayak revealed that he has been receiving calls from friends and family in Karnataka, alarmed by the reports. “That’s why I decided to upload this — to reassure everyone,” he added.
Shashi, a Kannada vlogger based in China, also shared a video challenging the panic-inducing narratives on social media. Walking through serene streets, he said, “The visuals you see in the media, claiming there’s chaos in China, are mostly unverified. If you look closely, you’ll see they don’t reflect reality.”
Shashi demonstrated this by filming inside a local hospital. “There’s no one wearing masks, no overcrowding and no panic here,” he noted. “If there were truly an HMPV outbreak as some reports suggest, there would be visible signs — schools closing, homeschooling starting, or work-from-home orders. None of that is happening.”
