Luoyang, CHINA - A Cambridge man is living in China at the moment as the deadly Coronavirus sweeps through China and the world.
Rick Hinkle is originally from the Cambridge, Maryland. But during the Chinese New Year, he and his wife decided to celebrate in the one place where they should: China. They've been there since October visiting his wife's family, who is originally from China.
But this year is different.
This year the Coronovirus is breaking out rapidly throughout the country and spreading globally. Cases have been confirmed in more than a dozen countries other than China.
The virus is believed to have originated from the city of Wuhan; this is 360 miles away from Luoyang, where Hinkle and his family find themselves.
Hinkle told WBOC that life in China has changed, "Life is different everywhere in China right now, the people entertain themselves. Just imagine if we lived without going outside."
They stay inside most of their days, playing cards or mahjong. "The chinese citizens have joined together and are staying at home. Businesses are still closed. They've been closed for a week. People have not been to any restaurants. Everything's closed," he said.
Grocery stores and Pharmacies are the only stores open at the time in his area. He says the government is making sure people are not gathering in crowds to contain the virus.
He says the Chinese government has been keeping citizens very well informed throughout the whole process.
Hinkle says he is not scared or concerned about getting the virus, only about returning home to Cambridge. He hopes to make his way back on a flight February 8.