Community support

After her return from Japan, Yamazaki has received a lot of support from the local foreign affairs office and the community where she lives.

"They sent me masks and disinfectant, and provided me with help whenever I needed," she said.

Yamazaki said she was impressed with the work done by the community workers. "I decided to become a volunteer, assisting them in epidemic control and prevention work during my spare time."

Together with the community workers and other volunteers, she engaged herself in disinfecting, patrolling and checking residents' temperature in the community.

The lowest temperature in Changchun is still around minus 10 C in early spring, making disinfection a difficult task.

"Sometimes the disinfectant drops on my coat, turning into thin ice with a strange smell," she said. "But I believe it will be a memorable experience for me to participate in the fight (against virus) as a foreigner."

"Since the outbreak, my students have sent me countless messages via WeChat and QQ, as well as email, asking me to wear masks and gloves when stepping outside as a precautionary measure," she said.

"When we finally defeat the epidemic, I want to return to my classroom," she said. "I am so eager to have face-to-face classes and give a big hug to all my students."