Turning point

They endured the challenges through their shared sense of commitment and optimism.

Among the five nurses from the HKU-SZH, four had worked together in the ICU. Their familiarity with each other helped them deal with the unique challenges they faced. Throughout the ordeal, they gave each other support and encouragement. They found their own ways to relieve stress — reading, listening to music, doing yoga exercises, or watching soccer.

The Third People’s Hospital also offered support. There were regular deliveries of fruits, snacks, and even disposable diapers as they couldn’t go to the bathroom while wearing the heavy protective gear. Most tried to avoid the diapers by drinking less water before entering isolation wards.

There had been no suitable N95 masks for Bian Yuwei, the only female on the team’s nursing contingent, who has a small face. Her roommate, a nurse from another hospital, had tested positive for the coronavirus, but further testing showed she had not been infected. The head of the HKU-SZH’s nursing department went to the hotel to offer support to Bian and bring her face masks that fit her properly.

Their efforts were acknowledged by patients and their medical colleagues. Zhou said he got a thumbs-up after helping a patient save an unnecessary treatment. Ling earned praise from senior nurses for keeping good hand hygiene.

The city has finally seen signs of the virus being contained. After a peak, in late January, the number of new cases gradually declined. Since Feb 16, the city's daily new cases have decreased to less than five on average, even zero on some days. As of Wednesday, Shenzhen had only two seriously ill coronavirus patients.

With the pandemic under control, the medical workers assigned to the Third People's Hospital are expected to return soon to their regular duties. They've all made plans — going to the seaside with their families, going out together, or getting together with their comrades in arms for a drink.

Soon they will be back on regular duty, and their lives will return to normal. The pandemic may cease to be the main topic of conversation, and memories of the events may dim, but they say they will always be ready and on call for when the next crisis hits.