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.

Li Lei and Wei Junli are students at Shanxi Jincheng Radio and TV University (Jincheng RTVU), spring 2018 class. They are also husband and wife, and work in the Public Security Bureau of Yangcheng County: Wei Junli in exit and entry management, Li Lei as a criminal investigator. These two, along with their schoolmates, are manning the front lines of the battle against the epidemic.

On the second day of the 2020 Chinese Spring Festival, Guo Xiaojun, a local citizen, consulted with Wei Junli on extending a foreigner's visa. She had brought her foreign boyfriend home for the New Year, and his one-month visa was set to expire in a few days. However, the epidemic had disrupted his return plans. If his visa couldn't be extended, he would be staying in China illegally.

Wei Junli soothed her anxiety by assuring her that a renewal could be arranged.

The current circumstances make extra efforts necessary. Wei Junli checked certificates, reported information, prepared documents, contacted the Municipal Bureau, made an appointment, and planned a route to the city to make the process as easy and safe as possible.

"These days, the more I do for people, the less time they need to spend exposing themselves to possible infection,” Wei Junli says.

Eight days into the Chinese Lunar New Year, Xiao Guo's boyfriend received the visa extension he had been hoping for.

Wei Junli cares about the public and seeks to help members of it solve their problems.

That same day, Xiao Pei, who had been shortlisted to take the Beijing civil-service exam, needed to submit his personal entry and exit information, and had only two days to do so. He contacted the exit and entry team, and because of the urgency of the matter, and her experience, Wei Junli committed to helping him.

The following day, a returning resident was about to resume work in another city, where she might stay more than half a year. She wanted a passport in case her employer would require one, and Wei Junli, whom she contacted, asked her leaders for permission, and handled the passport application herself. Serving the people has been part of Wei Junli's work throughout her six years at this position, and she often receives messages of thanks.

When asked whether she is not afraid to have contact with people newly returned from other provinces, she answers that her desire is only to help, and give comfort.

Li Lei, her husband, has also been active in the battle against COVID-19. He investigates, mans checkpoints, and patrols throughout the night without shirking or complaining.
These two are classmates at Jincheng RTVU, having decided that, to better serve the people, they should undertake further studies. In 2018, they chose Jincheng RTVU because of its heavy work load, which they believed would help their learning. A family with two police officers means efforts are doubled, but gains as well.

On 9 February, they were at different checkpoints, and shared a picture on WeChat Moments. Her husband's message inspired Wei Junli to write: I am in Yangbei while you are in Runbei. We are both gatekeepers. We both believe this epidemic will be beaten. Victory will be the people’s, and the country will see a prosperous future!

By OUC News Network