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The Remote Interpreter
Chapter 1: An Overview of Remote Interpreting

Because this interpreter had survived an epidemic prior to the outbreak of COVID-19, it gave her
a unique perspective on how different countries and organizations handle these severe and highly
transmissible diseases.

Approaching Chinese Lunar New Year, I heard and read more about the contagious
pneumonia, from WeChat messages sent by close family and friends living in mainland
China. “No worries. Everyone’s safe and sound and we don’t go out at all.”

City by city, province by province, the Chinese government imposed lockdown and
quarantine. The severity of the situation had surpassed SARS.

Toward the end of February, I started reading more about COVID-19 through my volunteer
translation work for a nonprofit organization. The health department of the city sent out
notices about the disease and recommended self-care preventive measures. I asked, “Is it
here yet?”

Shortly after, I got to talk with people who were affected by COVID-19 while interpreting
remotely. One Saturday I helped a health facility nurse check in on someone in self-isolation.
Throughout the call time, no one mentioned COVID-19 or disease or even sickness. They
talked about taking temperatures twice a day and the readings. The temperature was normal.
Both parties were optimistic about the outcome. “Three more days and I am free,” exclaimed
the client. The nurse chimed in, “Yes, three more days and you can leave your house.”
It’s quite a relief. I could feel the good spirits. I could even imagine the smiles they were
wearing on their face after the call ended.

The same interpreter goes on to discuss a session during the initial stages of the pandemic in a
public university.

Another time, a university campus coordinator called in to ask for interpretation assistance.
An international student was planning to apply for a special accommodation, which would
help ease the emotional burden caused by the COVID-19 situation back home in China.
The coordinator was very professional, caring and empathetic.

The call lasted for an hour. The wonderful staffer made several calls on behalf of the student
to assure the right appointments could be scheduled and good arrangements could be made
as soon as possible. The student expressed the anxious feeling but felt grateful that someone
who was a stranger a couple of hours before the meeting would go out of the way to help.

This call ended but it left me feeling warm and fuzzy in heart. I felt lucky that I talked with
warm and kind people.

It is March now. The month is going to end soon. COVID-19 has officially landed in North
America. The future is full of unpredictable factors. And many challenges are ahead. We
may also see the good and the opportunities. We need to believe we are in it together. There
is always hope. Hope gives you warmth. Do share the warmth whenever you can. After so
much worrying and panicking, you can always do something. That is what I am thinking now.

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