Combined efforts spur fight against virus

Heavy protection

Since the epidemic emerged, medical workers have faced serious shortages of vital equipment, including face masks, goggles and protective suits.

As a result, they have been asked to wear protective clothing throughout their shift, which can last up to eight hours in an isolation area. Workers drink little water while on duty, to avoid trips to the bathroom.

Lin Tzu-yung, from Taiwan, a resident doctor in the Cardiothoracic Surgery Department at Wuhan Asia General Hospital, has been caring for mild cases of infection since all specialist services at the facility were suspended early last month.

After taking a crash course, Lin jumped straight into the battle against the virus, working shifts of at least nine hours, including overnight duty. He gets a day off every three days.

With only two doctors per shift, Lin has to remain in protective clothing for at least four hours a day, leaving him sweating from head to toe.

He said a protective suit is light, but extremely airtight. Along with a face mask and goggles, it is hard to breathe in such a suit, and medical procedures, or even walking, become more difficult.

Lin also said his nose became scratched and bruised after he wore his face mask for too long.

Overall, the hospital is ensuring that medical workers get sufficient rest and nutritious meals to fortify their immune system and reduce the risk of infection.

Although scared of becoming infected, Lin believes the shortage of supplies can be remedied.

He said it is even more important to find ways to relieve frontline medical workers' stress, especially among those who are married and have children.

Born in Taiwan, Lin started his university studies in Wuhan when he was 18. Spending the first half his life in Taiwan before working in Wuhan, he calls the city his "second home".

Like his peers, he abandoned plans to return home for Spring Festival in Taiwan.

After Wuhan was locked down, the authorities suspended all public and private transportation.

Living alone in a rental apartment, Lin travels to work in a private car provided to medical workers for free by volunteers or a ride-sharing company.