United front puts city on road to recovery

However, her happiest task has been broadcasting news and music over the internet to patients at a makeshift hospital.

"Although I could not see the patients, who were in the quarantine ward, I was proud that I could help relieve their anxiety and pain through my voice, and bring them hope," she said.

Hua said her toughest time as a volunteer is when she returns home every night after work.

"I am very miserable before I unlock the door every day, and I'm really worried that I will infect my parents," Hua said.

"At first, I did not tell them I had become a volunteer. I lied and said I was working overtime at school."

However, when she later confessed to her parents, they supported her work, but told her to remain careful, Hua said.

"Many volunteers are struggling over the choices we have made, but we have been sticking to them. We are determined to work until the day the outbreak is over," she said.

Despite the difficulties she has encountered, Hua said she feels lucky and proud to have become a volunteer.

"During this very unusual period, if I hadn't been a volunteer, I may have become like some of my friends, who have been obsessed with sadness, helplessness and anxiety. But now I am happy, and every day I am eager to find out where my services are most in demand," she said.

Hua added that when the outbreak ends she hopes that all medical workers and patients can go home and be reunited with their families.

"When that day comes, we can all take off our masks so that we can fully see each other," she said, adding that she hopes all volunteers remain safe.