Zhao Peiyu, head nurse at Beijing's China-Japan Friendship Hospital, has battled novel coronavirus pneumonia for about 20 days in Wuhan, Hubei province, the epicenter of the outbreak.

Zhao, who has been a nurse for nearly 18 years, volunteered for the medical aid mission to Hubei and now leads her hospital's nursing care team in the province.

"My colleagues gave rather positive responses to the call for volunteers when they were informed about the epidemic," the 42-year-old said. "Around 930 nurses at our hospital submitted applications. Some of them said they were experienced because they had fought against severe acute respiratory syndrome (in 2003), and some said they were obligated to join the battle as Party members."

She said they were anxious when they arrived in Wuhan.

"We are facing a totally new virus and disease that we've never seen before," she said. "As the team leader, what I worry about most is the security of my team members.

"But we are nurses who give not only professional nursing care to patients but also encouragement and psychological support. We are riding out the epidemic together with people in the city and the Chinese people."

She said she had been impressed by a female patient in critical condition who had received a tracheotomy because of her severe symptoms.

"I found her writing 'water' using a hand on her quilt, so I asked if she wanted water to drink and she responded with a blink," she said. "I told her that she was not allowed to drink water because of the tracheotomy, she then blinked and gave me a thumbs up.

"I was touched. I can feel her desire for life and also the trust in us－the medical workers. Thankfully, she is getting better now."

Zhao said her team had received over 60 patients with severe symptoms or in critical condition in the past 20 days. Twenty of those patients have been discharged.

"We are medical workers, and also fighters," she said. "We have great support from family members, colleagues and the people of the nation.

"Also, we are equipped with the best medical protective facilities and living supplies by our hospital. We are confident we will triumph in this battle."

Future expectations

I hope the epidemic will soon be eliminated, and then I will come back to the city where I am fighting against the coronavirus as a traveler, not a medical worker. I wish to taste the city's famous snack－h(huán)ot noodles with sesame paste－standing on the street with cherry blossoms.