Speaker 1
I mean, in a way I'm fighting this algorithm, this thing in the computer that says I have been to a place that I may have been exposed to COVID and because of that, I can't go back to my home.
Speaker 3
Anyway, that's me, day
Speaker 1
seven in quarantine. Okay,
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today's my last full day
Speaker 3
of quarantine. I'm just having a coffee,
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my last instant coffee, I hope. I can't wait. You can't wait to have a real coffee. Not one that comes from a
Speaker 3
packet, but a proper coffee. So I've been in Qingdao.
Speaker 2
This is a city on the northeastern coast.
Speaker 1
And there are cases of COVID here. Right now, ahead of the party congress Beijing. That's me on my last day in quarantine, ranting about all the hoops I have to jump through. Using COVID restrictions are bad for you. Trust me, it's worse here. And it isn't changing anytime soon. Having the right COVID health code rules your life. Anyway, it's a reminder that the Chinese
Speaker 2
state loves to control minds and bodies. Since I've been in quarantine, I've filled out countless forums and I've gotten
Speaker 3
numerous phone calls asking to report things like when I had my last period. I mean, honestly, why does anyone aside from my doctor need to know that?
Speaker 2
It's so personal.
Speaker 1
Finally, it starts getting close to when they said we would be released. I am literally waiting at the door.
Speaker 1
packed. At 4.30 PM,
Speaker 6
I'm ready and waiting to go. OK, I hear some
Speaker 2
moving outside my door. This hopefully
Speaker 10
means that someone in
Speaker 2
a hazmat suit is going to come get me now. I know what, I'm just going to put my backpack on because I can't wait to be released. Oh my
Speaker 9
I am outside. I have a step back. I have a step
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back. I'm going to go. I am outside. I have stepped outside.
Speaker 2
I pick my taxes
Speaker 1
here. So I'm free. I just need to get through the next 12 hours without being flagged as a close contact. After that, I'll finally be able to go out and do my job reporting. At least that's the plan. But as you're going to hear, nothing is that simple in Xi's China. You've been listening to how to become a dictator with me, Sophia Yan. China corresponded for the telegraph, reporting by me with additional research by Jenny Pan. The producers are Venetia Raini and Yulang Gofan. Sound design is by Giles Geer with original music by Elliot Lampet. The executive producer is Louisa Wells and the commissioning editor is Louisa Manuel. A special thanks to Daenera Salieva, Rune Steenberg, Lorenz Subur and Sam Tarling. Follow this feed on your podcast app to make sure you don't miss an episode.