The old man coughed, his body sinking lower and lower until he was bent like a bow. He knelt on the ground, head hanging low, and remained motionless for a long time.
"Doctor Zhao, what... what kind of illness is this? Is it contagious?" Deng Guang looked at Zhao Pu beside him.
Zhao Pu's throat felt dry. "I don't know. Mr. Qin, I'd like to go back home first."
More and more neighbors were coming downstairs, and occasional light coughs could be heard from the crowd.
"But if it is contagious, it's very likely spread through respiratory droplets. We need to stay away from people who are coughing, keep our homes clean, and, most importantly, avoid gathering in groups. Absolutely no gathering in groups."
Perhaps it was psychological, but as he spoke, Zhao Pu felt his own throat begin to itch, as if he also wanted to cough.
He wasn't sure if it was a psychogenic cough caused by somatization symptoms or if he was actually infected.
Thinking of this, Zhao Pu stopped walking. If he was infected, going back now would just implicate Shu Huan.
Zhao Pu took two steps to the side. "Mr. Qin."
Qin Ziwen, who had been looking up at the sky, lowered his head. The weather was still normal, but after witnessing what had just happened, he felt the sky had turned gray and gloomy.
"Doctor Zhao, what should we do if it really is an infectious disease?"
"If it really is, just the few of us definitely won't be enough. We'd need the cooperation of the entire residential complex to completely stop it, but..." At this point, Zhao Pu shook his head.
Judging by the recent behavior, getting the entire complex to cooperate seemed like a very difficult prospect.
After thinking it over, Qin Ziwen said, "Let's meet up later at... Unit 602. You all go back first and inform your families."
After they separated, Qin Ziwen went to Building 6, Unit 1, Apartment 101 and told Wei Zhaohua, advising him to have his family members avoid going out unnecessarily these next few days.
Wei Zhaohua's face changed drastically upon hearing this, his voice becoming dry. "It's really not just a common cold? My... my father-in-law started coughing a little this morning."
Qin Ziwen fell silent, unsure how to respond.
Wei Zhaohua forced a faint smile. "I understand. Thank you for the warning."
After that, Qin Ziwen went to Building 5 to tell Li Yue to stay at home these next few days and avoid going out as much as possible.
"Got it, brother. You all be careful too." Li Yue stood behind his door, watching Qin Ziwen walk away.
Building 8, Unit 2, Apartment 602.
The five of them gathered in the room.
"I'm a surgeon, this isn't my area of expertise," Zhao Pu said with a bitter smile. "But I think we should prepare for the worst. This is likely a highly contagious bacteria or virus."
He took out paper and pen. "Don't be too nervous. Theoretically, the human body's own immune system has a chance of fighting off any virus or bacteria. Getting an infectious disease doesn't necessarily mean death.
The healthier the adult, the stronger their immune system, and the greater the possibility of pulling through."
"What do we need to do next?" Qin Ziwen asked.
Zhao Pu pondered. "For us personally, take protective measures, wear masks. I have some medical masks stocked at home, I'll give you all some later. If you run out of masks, you can tear old clothes into strips, boil them in water to disinfect them, let them dry, and make simple masks.
Disinfect regularly, inhibit bacteria, wash hands frequently. Avoid crowded places, and it's best to do environmental disinfection as well."
Qin Ziwen looked at Zhao Pu. "What should we do if we want to unite the entire complex to handle this together?"
Zhao Pu frowned. This matter was completely thankless and difficult.
He couldn't help but advise, "Mr. Qin, it's very difficult."
Qin Ziwen was silent for a moment, then said, "Let's give it a try. If we let it spread unchecked, and the complex is filled with sick people and corpses everywhere, how will we live? Hide at home and never go out? Or can we move to another place to live?
This isn't just our problem anymore; it's the entire complex's problem. While the number of infected isn't high yet, let's spread the message first and see what others plan to do."
If the self-preservation will of others in the complex wasn't strong, then Qin Ziwen could only respect their fate.
At worst, he could seal all the doors and windows shut and hide at home. With the spring and stored food, tightening their belts and enduring for over half a month wasn't a problem.
But he thought of a key issue.
That was, if a large number of residents outside died, the rate of residents in the complex awakening their Home would gradually increase. Once it reached 20%, the automatic three-day transmigration countdown would be triggered.
Three days later, a new batch of residents would arrive. At that time, if they came into contact with the original patients...
Well, perfect seamless transition.
Bang bang bang. Someone knocked on the door downstairs.
A moment later, faint conversation could be heard.
Soon, there was knocking on the door right downstairs. It went on for a while before stopping.
Bang bang bang. This time the knocking was on the door opposite theirs.
"There's an infectious disease in the complex recently. You need to take protective measures at home, try not to gather in crowded places. If you find anyone coughing at home, please report it promptly..."
Through a door, they could hear the voice outside clearly.
It seemed someone had beaten him to it and was already notifying the complex residents.
Soon, the knocking came to their door.
Zhao Pu, wearing a mask, got up to open the door. Outside was a middle-aged woman also wearing a mask. "There's an infectious disease in the complex recently. You need to take more protective measures, don't go to crowded places. In the early stages, this infectious disease disguises itself as symptoms similar to a common cold: coughing, low fever, fatigue, similar to ordinary cold symptoms."
A flicker of surprise passed through Zhao Pu's eyes. "How do you know such detailed symptoms?"
"I'm from the Alliance Mutual Aid Society. Our leader told us all this," the middle-aged woman said. "Do you want to join our Alliance Mutual Aid Society? We are a very loving and harmonious big family."
Zhao Pu looked back at Qin Ziwen. Qin Ziwen said, "We'll consider it."
"Alright then. If you want to join the Mutual Aid Society, remember to mention your referrer. I'm number 14." The woman finished with a smile, waved, and continued upstairs.
After she left, they closed the door.
"The Mutual Aid Society's reaction speed is indeed fast," Qin Ziwen said.
Zhao Pu shook his head, saying helplessly, "But this is just treating the symptoms, not the root cause. The best way is still to gather all the patients together, separate them from healthy residents, then centrally handle their waste. After symptoms lessen and recovery begins, first isolate them for observation, and only after confirming healing, have them observe at home."
Deng Guang felt Zhao Pu's idea was unrealistic. "Who will take care of those patients? Who will collect and handle their waste?"
"Let's go ask first. Since the Alliance Mutual Aid Society people are spreading the word, it means they also want to curb the spread of the infectious disease. After all, everyone has to live here. A worsening living environment is bad for everyone."
When that masked woman came back downstairs, Qin Ziwen expressed his wish to meet Zou Jianghe.
"Oh my, that's the chairman of our Mutual Aid Society. How can you just meet him casually?" The middle-aged woman seemed troubled.
"Sorry to trouble you. This is Doctor Zhao, a former practicing physician. He also has some views on this infectious disease. We also hope everyone can live better." Qin Ziwen handed over a little falcon meat.
The middle-aged woman took the bag, peeked at the meat inside, and immediately beamed with joy. "So it's a doctor! I thought he looked kind at first glance. Why so polite? I'll go ask for you. Actually, our chairman is quite a good person."
Twenty minutes later, the middle-aged woman returned, her attitude enthusiastic. "I put in a good word for you. The chairman is willing to meet you. I'll take you there now."
......