A Brit stuck in a flat in Beijing for 10 weeks has spoken of his ordeal in the Chinese capital during the coronavirus outbreak.
Dale Fox has been in self-isolation since the middle of January and has given his top tips on how to survive a prolonged lockdown.
The 35-year-old is still only able to leave his apartment twice a day, and residents have their temperature taken every time they re-enter the apartment block.
Mr Fox revealed how keeping busy and working to a routine has kept him sane during the quarantine.
He said: "Staying upbeat has been far better for my mental health than binge-reading coronavirus articles and working myself into a frenzy.
"Most importantly, I've been reminding myself that above all, self-isolating is a selfless act.
"We're all in this together, protecting each other's health. And by keeping our minds on the light at the end of the tunnel, these difficult months will soon be over."
The journalist, who was born in Preston, Lancashire, has lived in Beijing since 2016 since accepting a job in the city.
But the Chinese capital was dramatically put under lockdown after the deadly Covid-19 spread in the country.
Official figures say more than 80,000 people in China have tested positive for coronavirus, while 3,326 of those have died. It has widely been reported that this number is actually much higher, with US intelligence claiming the figures are underreported.
Mr Fox said he first realised how serious the situation was during a trip to Inner Mongolia when train station staff began checking the temperature of travellers.
He said: "When I arrived at the hotel, my temperature was taken again by the check-in staff, and I had to sign a document to confirm I wasn't ill.
"The hotel had closed most of its facilities, including the pool, bar, and restaurant, in reaction to the outbreak.
"Worried Beijing would be placed under lockdown, I cut short my break and took the train home just a few hours later.
"The train home was practically empty - there were barely 10 passengers. Every train I have taken in the past has been full or almost full every time.
"It felt very eerie to walk past one empty carriage after the other until I got to my seat."
Mr Fox said that while it took time to adjust to the drastic measures, he has put his time in lockdown to good use.
He said he has developed his cooking skills, worked on sticking to a routine and stopped taking things for granted from everyday life.
Mr Fox said his top tips to surviving lockdown include daily exercise before work, putting on "normal" clothes and keeping in touch with friends and family.
He said: "Keeping myself busy, both physically and mentally, has been the best way to keep things ticking over until it's safe to resume a normal life.
"Being housebound, you realise how important those short walks to the shop or bus stop really are.
"After a few days of inactivity, I soon felt like the Wizard of Oz's Tin Man after being left in the rain.
"That's why I began doing stretches and light cardio each morning, before showering and changing.
"It's a small thing, but wearing clothes instead of pyjamas during the day really helps me feel more human.
"As for a social life, I've found it very important to stay in touch with friends and family.
"Checking in with a loved one each day has kept my mind balanced and allows me to still feel like part of society."
The usually bustling Beijing has became a ghost town in recent months and life in the city has grinded to a halt.
Mr Fox has been working from home since the end of January and says his job "has not been impacted much".
He said: "I took a stroll near my office just before then, which is located near Tiananmen Square, one of Beijing's most popular tourist spots.
"In and around the area was completely deserted, except for the occasional cyclist.
"It was early evening in one of the city's busiest areas but it felt more like I was taking a stroll at 4 am while everyone was sleeping.
"I took this as a sign to self-isolate, only leaving my apartment to collect food deliveries."
Although restrictions have lifted in the city, volunteers remain stationed outside Mr Fox's apartment block to check the temperature of every resident on their way in.
Mr Fox said: "Residents of my complex are given a pass, which is needed to get back into the complex as proof of residency.
"We are only allowed to leave and return twice a day. I've only been leaving the complex to collect deliveries, however.
"During the first couple of weeks, ordering groceries became more like trying to pick up a ticket for Glastonbury.
"Supermarket apps introduced a queuing system, and being able to secure a delivery slot felt like winning the lottery.
"Things are back on track now, but not having everything on tap made me become more frugal.
"I can now do amazing things with just a packet of instant noodles and a couple of eggs, and leftovers always become part of my next meal."
