Editor's note: In the battle with the COVID-19 epidemic, more and more fighters are coming to its front lines, including students and former students of the Open University of China (OUC). Like other fighters, no matter how ordinary, they are contributing what they can. Let's take a close look at some of their stories.

Wu Wanlin was a junior-college Administration major (autumn 2017) at Guangshan Radio and TV University, a beneficiary of the “Long March Belt” Poverty-alleviation Educational Project of the Open University of China (OUC), a deputy for Guangshan County to the Fourteenth People’s Congress, and secretary of Zhenxing Street Community Party branch of Suntiepu Township. He has been at the front lines of the battle against the epidemic, honouring his commitment to the Party and people, and always putting his responsibilities first.

Disseminating COVID-19 Information

Since the outbreak of the epidemic, Wu Wanlin has been focused on helping control it as a member of township administration. Having made a recording at his own expense, he begins patrols at 7:00 every morning, playing it repeatedly through a mobile loudspeaker, advising residents to minimize visits to crowded places, wear masks for protection if they must go out, and not chat in groups; the disobedient are threatened with being reported to authorities, with photos or videos recorded as proof. Regardless of the weather, he has been doing this for 30 days on end, visiting all the villages and streets of the township, and bringing it together to fight the epidemic.

Helping Control Crowds

Supermarkets and markets are managed strictly to avoid crowds forming, and impede the spread of the virus. He helps with this process as well, cooperating with authorities to ensure that shopping is done in an orderly manner, with appropriate distancing. His rounds include the Suntiepu and Longtai markets, where he focuses on discouraging crowd formation.

Disinfecting Public Spaces

He has also asked the township Party committee and government to assign him disinfection work, which he has undertaken in Suntiepu and Longtai townships using his own equipment and disinfectant. Over the last month, he has spent around 30 night-time hours undertaking 7 rounds of disinfection with his backpack sprayer, helping build a complete defense of every corner of the township.

A Checkpoint Model

In line with the restrictions established by the township's Covid-19 Prevention and Control Command, he led the Zhenxing Street Community to close all but a single main road. They built a checkpoint, set up a tent, and instituted round-the-clock watches consisting of Party members from the community. If not on patrol, or undertaking disinfection, he is at a checkpoint with his comrades, asking drivers for their information, taking temperatures, and leaving nothing to chance. He has set a good example for everyone at the checkpoints.

Donating Money and Goods

Wu Wanlin's mother is over 80, and his granddaughter has a disease. Treatment for the granddaughter has exhausted the family's savings; nevertheless, he has been generous with donations to help fight the epidemic, and has asked his extended family to do the same. About 20 family members have donated 3,000 yuan in cash, 3,900 yuan worth of food, and 3,800 yuan worth of protective equipment to the township.

In this battle, Wu Wanlin has put the people ahead of his family. He has gone where he is most needed and done everything that could be expected of an ordinary worker, Party member, and OUC student.

By OUC News Network