Beijing Hospitals Now Offering English Language Hotlines To Expats

Beijing’s international hospitals are now opening English language hotlines to support expats during the coronavirus outbreak.

Expats in Beijing are having a tough time nowadays, whether it’s fear of contracting the virus, panic when experiencing symptoms or the psychological effects of imposed periods of quarantine. Not being able to understand the local language was making life in the mega-city even more difficult until a number of Beijing medical centres created English language online support hotlines.

The hotlines are urging expats who fear they have contracted the virus or know someone who’s showing symptoms to immediately go to one of the city’s 101 designated fever clinics. Symptoms to watch out for include shortness of breath, a high temperature, coughing or sneezing or production of excess mucous. It’s important to also control anxiety, as this can weaken the body as well as the mind, allowing the virus to take hold more easily. Services now provided in the English language include one-to-one online medical consultations, free online or phone advice on a variety of medical issues in addition to coronavirus fears.

Should phone lines be busy, callers are being reassured that leaving an email containing expats’ contact information and concerns will get a reply as soon as is possible. Hospitals taking part in this new, free service include Beijing’s Hong Kong International Medical Clinic, Beijing United Family Hospital and Oasis International Hospital. Altogether, Beijing is home to 101 designated fever clinics, all of which are well equipped to deal with new cases of the virus and advise those concerned about becoming infected.