Steven Back, a Hungarian expat who has called Shanghai home for 18 years, is redefining resilience during the city's latest pandemic response measures. Like thousands of others, his residential compound entered closed-off management amid a new wave of COVID-19 cases – but Steven and his wife chose action over isolation.
\"We saw an opportunity to connect with our neighbors in a way we never had before,\" Steven shared in his viral vlog series documenting daily life under lockdown. The couple joined local volunteers to assist with mass PCR testing, distributing supplies, and translating health guidelines for international residents.
Adapting to Dual Realities
While some foreign social media accounts highlight challenges, Steven's posts showcase neighborhood cooking collaborations and tech-savvy solutions like drone deliveries. His perspective as a long-term resident – fluent in Mandarin and familiar with both European and Chinese social norms – offers unique insights into pandemic community building.
A New Wave of Digital Storytelling
The vlog series has garnered attention from global audiences curious about Shanghai's approach to balancing public health priorities with daily needs. Viewers particularly engage with footage of multi-lingual volunteer coordination and innovative food ration distribution systems leveraging local e-commerce networks.
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A 'Shanghainese' from Hungary shares his life under lockdown
cgtn.com
