SINCE Tuesday, Shenzhen residents who have been vaccinated have found a little lion image on their green health codes (粤康码) via the 粤省事(yueshengshi) WeChat miniprogram. The lion symbolizes Nanshi, or the Southern Lion.
Those who have received their first COVID vaccine shot will have a green health code with a blue border and a blue lion image in the middle. A click on the blue lion will show the words: “You have completed the first dose of vaccination. Thank you for your contribution to the combat against COVID-19.”
Those who have completed their COVID vaccine shots will have a green health code with a gold border and a red lion image in the middle. A click on the lion will then show the words: “You have completed the second dose of vaccination.”
The mythical creature is associated with a South China legend that Nanshi dispelled an epidemic in Guangdong. In order to express appreciation for the ancient beast, residents built Nanshi’s head and body with a bamboo frame and gauze and performed lion dances. In addition, the words “lion dance” sounds like “safe and sound” in Cantonese. So Nanshi is thought to bring good luck and health.
Residents can reserve to get their COVID-19 vaccines on one of the platforms: “szwjwwx” (深圳卫健委), Shenzhen Municipal Health Commission’s official WeChat account, “szcdcepi”(深圳疾控), Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s official WeChat account, and “jkshenzhen”(健康深圳), a WeChat service platform operated by the city’s health commission. Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan compatriots can make appointments on “jkshenzhen” (健康深圳). (Shenzhen Daily)
