Residents of the Chinese city of Wuhan have not forgotten the reporting physician who alerted the world about COVID-19 before he died of it a year ago.
Li Wenliang, a 34-year-old Ophthalmologist from Wuhan at a local hospital, became a poignant symbol of the first days of the outbreak, before it was officially recognized. When he tried to sound the alarm, he was scolded by Chinese officials for “spreading rumors”.
“He was the first to tell us about the virus,” Li Pan, 24, of Wuhan, who owns an online store, told Reuters on Saturday.
“He must have considered that the impact would be huge, but he still raised the alarm. That was very brave, ”said Li.
The doctor’s death on February 7, 2020, caused huge public mourning and a rare outcry of anger online. Zhong Nanshan, a renowned epidemiologist, wept for Li in an interview, calling him “China’s hero”.
But when President Xi Jinping paid tribute to the “heroes” of the “people’s war” against the virus in September, he did not say a word about Li.
Life in Wuhan has resumed its pre-COVID rhythm, but locals say Li is still revered there.
Ji Penghui, a 34-year-old designer, credits Li for having awakened him to the dangers of the virus early on. He said he ran to stock up on the masks before the authorities spoke to the public about it.
“The public recognizes him strongly and, personally, I think he should receive more official honors, rather than being treated as he has done in the past,” said Ji.