29 Jan 2020

Coronavirus Q&A: Ben answers your questions about life in quarantine

Ben Kavanagh was working as a teacher in Wuhan – the epicentre of the outbreak of the deadly virus – and was just one of millions of locals under lockdown before he was evacuated to the UK last week. This is his journey from Wuhan to quarantine in the UK.

Inside Wuhan: Daily life in China’s coronavirus quarantine zone

In his first video diary, Ben told us he was planning to venture out of his home one last time to buy food and essential supplies before being stuck in his flat for the duration of the lockdown.

He took his phone along to film it all for us.

Inside Wuhan: Cooking and celebrating birthday in Coronavirus lockdown

In his second video diary, Ben has been stuck in his flat for the duration of the lockdown.

He’s celebrating his birthday – alone, having enjoyed a simple dinner out of stockpiled rations. He ventured into the eerie empty city to throw out garbage and find water.

Again, he took his phone along to film it all for us. Like Ben, millions of Wuhan locals are in lockdown, as China’s health minister warns that the virus is ‘getting stronger’.

Inside Wuhan: Q&A from China Coronavirus lockdown

In part three, Ben answers the Internet’s questions on what life is like in lockdown.

Inside Wuhan: Evacuation plans and apartment tour from Coronavirus quarantine

In his fourth instalment, Ben gives an update on his evacuation plans, shows us around his flat – and enjoys a game of football over breakfast.

Inside Wuhan: Ben travels to airport for evacuation from coronavirus epicentre

Part five and, after a week of living in lockdown, Ben is finally being evacuated from Wuhan – the epicentre of the deadly coronavirus outbreak.

Leaving Wuhan: Ben arrives back in the UK

Irish teacher Ben Kavanagh has been evacuated from Wuhan and has landed in the United Kingdom.

He documents his flight from China, as well as his police-escorted bus ride to Merseyside, where UK nationals face two weeks of quarantine.

Inside Quarantine: Ben settles into his new home

Ben arrives in his new flat in England for two weeks of quarantine after escaping Wuhan, the epicentre of the Coronavirus. He shows us around his new home – and tells us about his hopes of returning to China.

Inside Quarantine: Day 1 for Ben in his UK quarantine

Ben Kavanagh takes a look around the facilities of his home for the next two weeks.

Inside Quarantine: Ben unpacks care package on day 2 of coronavirus isolation

Ben’s mum sends him a care package of food and household essentials during his stay in the UK’s coronavirus quarantine zone.

Coronavirus: Ben answers your questions about life in quarantine

Ben Kavanagh answers your question on what life is like in quarantine. How is everyone feeling? Will he ever return to China? And what are his plans for the future?