Jumanova Azar 

A battle against the epidemic that touched the Chinese people has begun, and strict epidemic prevention and control measures have been implemented in China. As a Muslim tourist coming from Kazakhstan, during the epidemic outbreak, I happened to be traveling in Urumqi, Xinjiang, China. I personally experienced firsthand Chinese people’s concerted efforts to fight against the novel coronavirus. I have also felt the Chinese government’s concern and cares for foreign Muslim tourists. On January 23, 2020, I flew from Kazakhstan to Urumqi, Xinjiang.  

After arriving in Urumqi, I planned to visit some famous scenic spots like Urumqi International Grand Islamic Bazaar, Hong Sing Garden, Urumqi Botanical Garden, and Dabancheng. However, following the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, strict epidemic prevention and control measures have also been implemented in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. For example, the Silk Road International Resort in Urumqi County, Baiyun International Ski Resort in Urumqi, and Tseung Kwan Mountain Ski Resort in Altay.  

Tickets have closed business and offered chance for tourists to receive refund. The 4th Spring Festival Temple Fair, originally scheduled to be held in Hong Sing Garden, has also been canceled. Scenic areas around the country also announced ticket service hotline to facilitate refunds for tourists. Eventually, my travel plan was disrupted. Moreover, the severe situation of the epidemic made me scared, while the local Chinese government gave me great care and help.

In order to effectively prevent and control the epidemic and protect the life and health of foreign Muslim tourists, the local government has adopted strict prevention and control measures on the one hand, and attaches great importance to the safety of stranded tourists on the other hand. It always pays attention to our living conditions and sends us anti-epidemic masks, fresh fruits and other supplies.  

During the epidemic prevention and control, as a foreign Muslim tourist, I personally experienced firsthand the Chinese government’s care and help for Muslim tourists, which made us feel at home. On the way back to the hotel, I saw with my own eyes that Chinese government staff worked hard to fight against epidemic, such strengthening the prevention and control of epidemics in the toll station and service areas, with all the staff being shifted rest, monitored body temperature, established staff health account.

They strictly shut down entrances to public places such as commercial areas, restaurants, and toilets in highway service areas, strengthen body temperature monitoring, and report abnormal conditions in a timely manner. They ensured that indoor public places in service areas must be cleaned, disinfected, and ventilated at all times.  

I had to stay in the hotel for days because the epidemic situation was severely controlled. During the period, the local government learned of situation of the stranded foreign Muslim tourists, and specially sent staff to take care of our physical and mental health, patiently and meticulously measure our body temperature, ventilate and disinfect, chat with us, and do a good job of psychological counseling, solving our difficulties and made me feel like family warmth.

Moreover, through the hotel’s TV report, I learned that the local government has adopted strict and detailed prevention and control measures, especially Urumqi Diwopu International Airport installed intelligent temperature measurement equipment at gate 1 of the departure hall, using non-contact methods through thermal imaging to monitor the human body temperature.  

After detecting individuals with the abnormal temperature,  airport staff would carry out targeted body temperature measurement. They also take measures to clean and sanitize the public areas and facilities of the terminal building, elevators, trolleys, passenger seats and other facilities and equipment, equip Bacteria hand sanitizer, set up dedicated trash cans, and centrally collect and treat waste masks.

The measures adopted by Chinese government to prevent and control the epidemic have achieved positive results and have been highly commended by foreign officials and tourists. They expressed their firm support for China’s fight against the epidemic and called on the international community to join hands in tackling the pandemic challenge.  

“China has once again demonstrated its outstanding wisdom and actively sought solutions to safeguard people’s lives and physical health.” Branislav Jorjevic, director of the Serbian Institute of International Politics and Economics, said that he believes that China will surely overcome the epidemic through strict and detailed measures.  

As a foreign Muslim tourist, during the epidemic prevention and control, I personally experienced firsthand a series of subtle prevention and control measures by the Chinese government, which made me feel the power and greatness of Chinese government, and the responsibility of a major country. I  wish to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to Chinese government and Chinese people for their cares and helps for our Muslim tourists. 

Jumanova Azar 

Deputy Secretary General ,Federation of Business Enterprises of kazakhstan