Thank you so much for your interest in my life in Shanghai! I’m incredibly thankful for all of the messages I’ve received this past week asking how I’m holding up during the coronavirus epidemic. If you haven’t seen my prior five posts, which discuss the current situation in Shanghai and China, please check them out.
https://astronomerinshanghai.com/uncategorized/life-in-quarantine-week-1/
https://astronomerinshanghai.com/uncategorized/life-in-quarantine-week-2/
https://astronomerinshanghai.com/uncategorized/life-in-quarantine-week-3/
https://astronomerinshanghai.com/uncategorized/life-in-quarantine-week-4/
https://astronomerinshanghai.com/uncategorized/life-in-quarantine-week-5/
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Life in Shanghai
To start this week’s entry, I want to emphasize that I remain healthy, safe, and happy here in Shanghai. I also want to thank everyone who has reached out to check in with me either via this blog, e-mail, facebook, or through my parents. Overall the situation is improving here; However, that’s unfortunately not the case everywhere else in the world. So, I hope that all of you are also staying safe and healthy. Hopefully things will begin to improve worldwide soon, just as they have here in China.
In Shanghai, there are now 342 total cases. That’s 5 new cases this week. However, 4 of those cases were from Chinese nationals who returned from Iran. Many people have continued to recover from the virus here. So, of those 342 cases, 314 have recovered, a recovery rate of ~ 92%. As I noted last week, this number will continue to rise both here and abroad in the coming weeks. So, despite there being a few more cases this week, the situation is definitely improving here in Shanghai! Clearly the policies and practices taken by the Shanghai Municipal government have worked well.
In terms of the rest of China, the number of new cases each day has been dwindling. Of the ~80,800 cases, ~57,100 have already recovered. The recovery rate is thus ~71%. However, outside of Hubei province, the recovery rate is higher. So, after about 6-7 weeks here in China, the situation is dramatically improving. However, now, the biggest fear in China is not the spread of the virus among the people already in China, it’s now that people coming from outside of China, particularly Italy, South Korea, and Iran, will bring the virus back to China. To that end, at both international airports in Shanghai, any travelers arriving from those countries are taken to a quarantine zone and then returned home, where they must spend at least 14 days in mandatory self-quarantine. Given the policies in place already, it’s unsurprising that the government has swiftly implemented these additional policies.
While the situation has greatly improved here, unfortunately, the situation is growing worse throughout the world, particularly in Italy, Iran, and South Korea. While the numbers are not nearly as high as in China, the number of new cases continue to grow. Additionally, given that the coronavirus has spread to many parts of the US as well, I implore all you to follow some of the health recommendations I made last week. Most importantly, make sure to wash your hands (for at least 20 seconds) every time you’ve gone outside. Hopefully the situation will improve soon and a cure will be discovered.
In terms of life here in Shanghai, we’ve reached something of a new normal. While it’s not nearly as crowded outside as it was before the outbreak, every time I go outside, I see many people (the majority of which wear masks). Almost all businesses and restaurants are now back up and running (at some capacity). The only difference is that when you enter buildings, a security guard takes your temperature and many places provide hand sanitizer. So, life is definitely returning to Shanghai, albeit somewhat slowly. Hopefully, as spring comes here, life will return to normal. Thankfully, there’s been no food shortages here in Shanghai. I’m still able to get all the groceries that I need to eat healthy delivered to my apartment. This week, I made chickpea walnut burgers and a vegan version of my Mom’s butterscotch brownies (my family’s blondie recipe)!
As I’ve now spent 6 weeks working from home, I’ve found a good work/research routine in my apartment. While I’m probably not quite as efficient every day as I would be in the office, I am more comfortable working in my apartment and am able to make lots of progress. This week, I’ve made excellent progress on my DES research. I’m just running the final redshift evolution analyses now. More importantly, despite my previously noted bug, the majority of results I had detected remain sound and my science and results are robust! This week, I plan to diversify a bit in my work as I start to work on some of my other projects as well. Additionally, I’ve had a bunch of zoom/skype meetings. I attended a DESI telecon as well as our now weekly Zu group meeting. While meeting over zoom/skype/Gchat isn’t ideal, I’m really glad these options exist. While I don’t mind e-mail, sometimes it’s easier to discuss things.
With things returning to new normal in Shanghai, I was able to do a few more fun things this week! Many of my friends who were abroad have since returned to Shanghai! So, on Wednesday, I got dinner with some of my friends, including my group of friends who I’ve been seeing weekly. Then on Friday, our weekly Shabbat Dinner was expanded to include members of the Moishe House community who have returned to Shanghai!
As you can see, there’s a lot of us now back in Shanghai! As I’ve noted here before, when you go so long without seeing people on a frequent basis, it makes these kind of opportunities not only more fun, but also much more special because they provide a return to normalcy.
However, for me, the most important thing that happened this week was that I decided it was finally safe for me to go running! In the last week, I’ve seen a lot of people (both Chinese and ex-pats) on the street running. So, I decided if it was safe for them, it was safe for me. As many of you know, I’m an avid runner and in an ideal world, I run at least once per week. Prior to my run on Saturday, I hadn’t gone running in about 6 weeks, the longest such break in over 2 years. Despite the improvements here in Shanghai, I did take precautions and wore a medical mask while running. I also made sure to avoid people and keep a good distance from others. During my run up to People’s Square, I saw 3-4 other people running around the city.
Thankfully I was moving fast enough that my glasses only fogged up when I was stopped at intersections. While my legs are a little stiff/sore today, that’s a good feeling after not running for so long. Assuming things continue to improve I’ll continue to go running, especially as the temperature warms up.
Also, spring is definitely here in Shanghai!
Food in Shanghai
I had two wonderful meals out with friends this past week. Thankfully, every time I go out, my friends are always willing to accommodate and order lots of vegetarian food! On Wednesday, we went to a Pakistani/Turkish restaurant. This restaurant had some of the most beautifully presented food that I had ever seen. More importantly, though, it was delicious!
While I’d love to tell you what everything was, for the most part, I only remember that I was eating vegetables! However, I will say that my favorite was the lentil dal (lower row, center)! That dish reminded me of the dal makhani from Little India in Saratoga!
On Friday, we returned to Sichuan Citizen for our now weekly Shabbat dinner! Below you can see the full group spread.
Here are some zoomed in images of the vegetarian dishes! As usual, my personal favorite are the sesame noodles! However, the spicy sword (green) beans were also delicious!
Jewish Life in Shanghai
As was the case for the past few weeks, many of the Jewish interactions are done via Zoom. Kehilat Beijing and Kehilat Shanghai cohosted our now weekly zoom Shabbat. However, this week, Moishe House sponsored and hosted our Shabbat dinner! While it’s been wonderful getting dinner with my smaller group of friends, all of which I’ve become much closer with, it was really nice to get together with a larger group and feel like a normal Jewish community! Below you can see some photos of us lighting the candles and saying the blessings.
Special thanks to my friend Shimi for taking the non-food photos that you see here (especially the ones that I’m in). 🙂
Despite a 6th week of semi-self-imposed quarantine, this was an enjoyable and productive week. It was very nice to see so many of my friends, some of whom I hadn’t seen in almost 2 months! Things are definitely improving here, so hopefully that trend will continue.
I hope that this update about the coronavirus situation in Shanghai and how I am staying positive and dealing with situation is comforting. Hopefully the spread of the coronavirus will slow elsewhere as it has here and a cure will soon be discovered. I plan to continue working each day on my research from home. I look forward to updating you all about my life and adventures next week! If you have any questions/comments or concerns about Shanghai or my safety, let me know!
In peace,
Jesse
What a wonderful blog post, Jesse. Your upbeat attitude is one that I hope to adopt as the coronavirus impacts the US. And I am taking your recommendations on safety precautions to heart.
It is great to learn that life is returning to normal in Shanghai. I loved seeing the trees in bloom. And that spicy green bean dish looked so appetizing. Finally, your references to Little India restaurant in Saratoga and cousin Amy’s butterscotch brownies brought a smile to my face as they brought the familiar to my son living very far away and made the distance more surmountable!
Love, Mom
Hi Mom! I’m so glad that you enjoyed this week’s post and are appreciating my upbeat attitude. Spicy sword beans are a very popular dish. The main problem is that a lot of restaurants serve them with pork, but if you can speak chinese (or go to a vegetarian restaurant), you can get them without that. Sharing food memories and your recipes help me stay connected with our family as well!
Hi Jesse,
I’m really glad that you were able to go running this week. Hopefully the situation continues to improve and you can keep that up. I’m glad to hear that the number of new cases are dwindling in Shanghai (even as the number of cases here in the NorthEast is starting to creep up). Hopefully the US government will respond in a similar manner to the Chinese government, but I’m not holding my breath. That’s great that you’ve remained productive and have found a good routine for getting work done. I’m glad you’re making lots of progress. As always, the food pictures look great. I think the food from the Pakistani restaurant is some of the prettiest I’ve seen. And I’m so glad you’ve been able to see people too! Keep your spirits high!
Love,
Emmet
Hi Emmet! I hope the situation begins to improve in the US (or at least the handling of the situation), I think that the US government should follow some of China’s examples, but I’m not entirely sure how feasible that is. I’m glad you enjoyed the food pics! It’s always fun going to restaurants with friends! I hope you keep your spirits up back in the US as well!
Hi Jesse,
I continue to be so impressed with how well you have adjusted to the challenges of your life situation in Shanghai. Your blog has helped me keep things in perspective as the virus makes its way around the world.
Technology is both a blessing and a curse. A blessing that you can continue your work, have conference video chats and even share Shabbat rituals! A curse as we are hearing so many details 24/7 , sometimes conflicting info, and while we know more, it also can provoke a sense of panic and worry.
I am glad you were able to get back outside to run!!
I hope life continues to improve in Shanghai and that you will soon be back on campus. Keep healthy and strong.
With gratitude,
Susan
Hi Susan! I’m glad that my blog is offering you a global perspective. I definitely agree with you about technology. I’m sure there’s a lot of fear because of false or misleading information that can be more easily spread. I hope to be able to be back on campus soon, but I’m glad I’m making the most of working from home.
It’s really great that you remain in good spirits and as the new cases of Covid -19 appear to be dropping and the recovery rate appears to be high, your spirits will only rise too.
The food in those photos looks wonderful. It would seem that you are in an incredible locale for vegetarians. Chickpea walnut burgers sounds delicious. Did you make these from raw chickpeas or do you have to cook the chickpeas first (the best falafel is made with raw (fully soaked) beans you grind ).
Just heard that there are two confirmed cases of the virus in Saratoga County and there is one student at SUNY Empire State (who is working 100% online) in Manhattan that was diagnosed with the virus… so it IS getting closer to home… So we all need to take normal precautions and avoid panic.
Stay healthy. Stay Safe. And don’t worry.
Hi Bernard! Thank you for your sentiments. For the chickpea burgers I just used canned chickpeas (which I assume are raw, fully soaked beans). The recipe is really great. Here’s a link to it.
https://www.connoisseurusveg.com/chickpea-chorizo-burgers/
Thanks for updating me about the situation in Saratoga County. I hadn’t heard about that yet. Hopefully those cases won’t spread and the area will remain healthy and safe!
Thanks for that recipe, Jesse. It’s very close to the way I make bean burgers (I might add some cilantro, a little miso, cut back on the wide range of spices and I might use bread crumbs I bake bread) from a bread roll I have in my freezer). Canned chickpeas are almost certainly cooked but that’s OK.
The other thing is that when you drain cooked chickpeas capture the liquid: it’s known as aqua fava (or faba) and you can use it in ways you can otherwise use eggs (you can (but I haven’t) even make meringues with it!).
You can make great burgers substituting other beans for chickpeas if you have those also (but if you use kidney beans they must be cooked – raw kidney beans have protein that in quantity can be toxic when eaten raw. Cooking breaks down this protein, making the bean harmless to humans and animals).
Hi Bernard. Thanks so much for the cooking advice. I’m aware of aqua faba, but I haven’t tried to use it as an egg substitute yet. Thanks for the advice about kidney beans. Sine I can easily get canned beans here, that’s probably what I’ll do. 🙂
It is reassuring to hear about the swing back toward normal. Here in Manhattan, we are just waiting for the situation to get worse, putting contingency plans in place should our school close, wondering how much to stock up on staples. The waiting and wondering is quite stressful. It’s helpful to keep in mind that whenever we hit our worst point, the situation can only begin to improve.
Hi Lisa! I hope the situation doesn’t get too bad in Manhattan. I’m sure it’s a nerve wracking situation. I think Shanghai is a good comparison example, as a metropolitan city with a strong infrastructure of hospitals. So, I’m sure the situation can be managed if people are able and willing to take precautions.
I’m glad that things continue to get better and that you were able to get out for a run! You’ve probably heard, but U Washington and Stanford have canceled in-person classes for the rest of the semester. The first case in Kansas City was just found yesterday, and MI seems safe so far (but they’re asking students coming back from places with the corona to self quarantine at UM). So, hopefully everyone will be able to slow the spread of it enough!
Anyway, I hope you’re able to get out for another run soon!!
Hi Juliette! It’s great to hear from you! It was so nice getting to run! I’m planning to try to run at least 1-2 times per week assuming things don’t get worse.
Thanks for updating me about the situation in the US. I hadn’t heard that Stanford and UW had cancelled in person classes. I’m sure that must be frustrating. That’s what SJTU and other universities in China have been doing. I’m glad the Michigan is doing okay. I hope not too many people have to self-quarantine. The US doesn’t quite have the delivery infrastructure that Shanghai and China have to make that a little bit easier. Hope you and Michael stay safe and healthy!
I share the appreciation for your positivity and resilience in the face of a crisis at the beginning of your time in China! How wonderful that you’d already found communities, both academic and spiritual, before the
quarantine hit.
The DC area is beginning to see cases of the virus and folks are anxious. We had as much hand sanitizer as hamentashen at our Purim celebration today. We are very aware that the information being disseminated by the federal government is not helpful, but local governments are stepping up. Even professional organizations, like the American Psychological Association, are putting out guidelines.
Still, Spring is coming and I hear the virus doesn’t do well in warmth and heat. Wishing all a healthy time ahead. And glad you can run again!
Hi Aunt Judy! I agree with you that I’m very lucky to have found such welcoming and friendly communities, especially now. I’m glad to hear that you were still able to celebrate Purim! Kehilat Shanghai will do some virtual Purim celebrations this week! It’s good to hear that the local government is stepping up and helping to fill the large gaps of the current administration.
I hope that the warmer weather starts to slow the spread of the virus as well! Hopefully in a few months the situation will return to a relative normal around the globe. I hope you, Uncle Keren, Zack, and Jared remain healthy and safe as well!
Hi, Jesse. Since I nudged you about posting an entry this morning, totally forgetting the the return to DST impacted the time difference between Saratoga Springs and Shanghai, I thought I owed you a comment in the blog.
It is reassuring to read your first-hand report of how things are improving in Shanghai, and maybe all of China at last, just as the coronavirus seems to have sunk its claws into the rest of the world. There’s so much the US and people in general could learn from watching how China has responded, and especially how you have reacted. I know this past month and a half has not been easy and that it’s probably been one of the most stressful experiences you’ve had to live through–outside of being a graduate student!–but as others have said, I greatly admire and celebrate the calmness and resilience you show in your blog. As trite as its sounds, you have found ways to make this lemon of circumstances into lemonade–with a huge nod to computer technology, and you are keeping your focus on why you are in Shanghai in the first place, to further your research as an astrophysicist. I’m sure keeping that focus isn’t always easy.
I was skimming over your earlier blog entries today and realized that while you are reconnecting in person with your Kehelat community, that developing relationship you were establishing with the city of Shanghai and the friendly people who photographed you or tested their English on you has halted. The visits to the museums and temples stopped. Seeing people in people’s square seems to have vanished from the life you are able to present in the blog. That’s a hardship. But it will return, maybe even soon. And when it does, we’ll all know that life has returned to its familiar rhythms. Undoubtedly, it will be a new normalcy. But it will be good to be back.
Since you followed in my Asics with your running commitment, I’m overjoyed for you that you can get back out. I told Rabbi Linda you went running yesterday, and we agreed that given how solitary running can be and since it’s all motion, there probably isn’t a safer excercise you can do. So carry on.
Love, Michael
Hi Dad! Thanks for writing! I completely agree with you about learning from China. Hopefully governments around the world can look and see how the policies implemented here have worked and enforce some similar policies as well. Unfortunately, that may be difficult. Thank you for your words of praise. I think my resiliency and optimism have really helped me maintain a positive outlook.
While it’s sometimes hard to focus, I think that being able to work in some runs should help me work better and burn off a lot of the extra energy I’ve had the last few weeks.
I agree with you about how some of the daily interactions have ceased in my life. I anxiously look forward to getting to explore more of the museums and even having people stop and photograph me. It’ll be great when that normalcy returns!
I definitely agree about running. I can’t imagine it’s that easy to catch a virus when you don’t touch anything or anyone. Given that I was fine walking, I think I’ll be safe running as well!
Hi Jesse, Glad you are staying so positive and healthy. It was fun to read that you made butterscotch brownies. I learned that recipe by heart when I was little and used the story of Rapunzel to help me remember all the steps. The melted butter was her long blond hair. We continue to be impressed with your cooking and the amazing meals you seem to be having. And we’re so glad you were able to start running again. We understand how important that is to you. We are now entering our 3rd week of dealing with the virus and reading your posts has been helpful as we deal with similar issues. With almost everything closed here in Northern Italy, we are staying home most of the time. I really miss the gym and the pool but am doing what I can at home with online videos. We do try and go for long walks or bike rides to stay active and sane. The rest of the time we are at home and have even been cleaning out all of our closets and cupboards and reorganizing the house! Grocery stores are open and the farmer’s markets as well, so we’re managing to get healthy food. We make a big point of avoiding people and doing a lot of hand-washing. We’re hanging in there. Good luck with your continued research and please keep up the great posts. Love, Amy and Terry
Hi Amy! I’m so glad to hear that you and Terry are safe and healthy in Italy. I can completely relate to your experience. I heard that Italy has tried to implement quarantine policies, similar to those taken in China. Hopefully those measures will be equally successful. I’m glad to hear that you guys are finding some of the tips I offered helpful. I definitely think that it’s still important to go outside and get fresh air so walking and biking sound good to me. I hope that the situation improves for you soon as well!
I’m glad you enjoyed my mention of the butterscotch brownies. They’re one of my favorites and they were a lot of fun to make! My Mom never taught me the recipe by using the story of Rapunzel, but that’s a fun way to think of the recipe!