It’s been described as unprecedented ? the quarantining of millions of people in a
central Chinese city
while health care workers try to suppress a virus proliferating across the country.
Wuhan and a number of surrounding municipalities are under lockdown, with travel networks and services shut down or restricted.
Wuhan lock-down over coronavirus leads to empty streets, train stations
Story continues below advertisement
At least 26 people in China have died because of the virus, two of them outside the Hubei province. Nearly 900 people have been infected as of Jan. 24.
Those within the borders of the quarantine are living under unusual circumstances.
Typically bustling areas, like train stations and public spaces, are practically bare.
Wearing official uniforms and black breathing masks, Chinese paramilitary police keep transportation hubs closed off.
Story continues below advertisement
Grocery store shelves have been emptied and long line-ups have been reported at stores with any items left to sell as citizens try and prepare for what could be a lengthy lockdown.
The latest health and medical news
emailed to you every Sunday.
Prices of vegetables and some other food items have soared, according to local reports.
Story continues below advertisement
A medical student completing his masters at a hospital in Wuhan told Reuters that while the conditions have been harsh, there is no feeling of widespread panic, overall.
The student, whose name was not provided, said most are dealing with the quarantine as an inconvenience.
Outside the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market, which is considered the epicentre of the outbreak, quarantine workers wear hazmat suits to protect themselves.
Story continues below advertisement
Chinese authorities turned a toll gate leading into the city into a makeshift checkpoint, where officials scanned travellers for their temperature.
China turns Wuhan toll gate into makeshift checkpoint as country battles to control coronavirus spread
? With files from The Associated Press and Reuters?
© 2020 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.