A young boy in Hubei was found at home, where his grandfather died, unable to leave due to virus-related restrictions in the city.
Community workers in the Zhangwan district of the city of Shiyan on Monday found an elderly man - identified only by his last name, Tan - dead in his home. A young boy, who was not identified but is believed to be about 5 or 6 years old, was reportedly found at the home as well, Guo Ruibing, vice deputy director of the publicity department of Zhangwan district, told local media, according to the Guardian.
The boy - who reportedly fended for himself for “several days” after his grandfather’s death, surviving on cookies - told the community workers who found him that he did not go outside because of the coronavirus.
But Guo, speaking to government-affiliated Hongxing News, refuted reports that the boy’s grandfather had died several days prior, explaining that community workers make daily visits to residents under lockdown to check their temperatures and ensure they have enough food.
It’s not currently clear how the boy’s grandfather died and if the novel virus is suspected in his death. Guo said the time and cause of the man’s death is under investigation. Tan’s temperature was reportedly normal before he passed, Guo added.
The boy is now under the care of the Zhangwan district. The boy’s father is currently in the Guangxi province and cannot return due to the “wartime” quarantine measures, according to the outlet.