In early March, as the United Kingdom carried on with business as usual, a Chinese student named Peng Wu at the University of Leeds saw a storm on the horizon. While many in the UK were unconcerned about the spread of COVID-19, Peng decided to take action.
On March 5, Peng began charting the growth of COVID-19 cases in the country, aiming to raise awareness about the impending pandemic. “I felt it was important to provide accurate information so that people could understand the seriousness of the situation,” Peng explained.
Every day since then, Peng has diligently updated his charts, tracking the virus’s spread across the UK. His commitment to this task has not gone unnoticed. “Insisting on doing this every day actually encourages everyone to continue to pay attention to the pandemic,” he said.
As the pandemic unfolded, Peng’s efforts gained widespread acclaim on social media. Many praised his dedication and the clarity of his data presentations. “Peng’s charts have been invaluable,” commented one social media user. “He helped us understand what was happening when official information was scarce.”
Peng’s initiative exemplifies how individual efforts can make a significant impact during global crises. By providing accessible information, he helped bridge the gap between complex data and public understanding.
“I just wanted to do my part,” Peng reflected modestly. “If my work helped even a few people stay informed and safe, then it was all worth it.”
Reference(s):
Chinese student tracking COVID-19 in the UK wins widespread acclaim
cgtn.com
