Medical workers pose for a photo at a farewell ceremony in Zhangjiagang, East China's Jiangsu province, before leaving for Hubei province on Feb 9. [Photo/WeChat account: zjgcitynews]

Responding to the call of the National Health Commission, a medical team of 37 members from Zhangjiagang, East China's Jiangsu province, was sent to Central China's Hubei province on Feb 9, to help fight the novel coronavirus pneumonia outbreak there.

The medical workers, most in their 30s and 40s, specialize in respiratory and infectious diseases, and critical care at Zhangjiagang First People's Hospital and Zhangjiagang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

"As a medical worker, it is my duty to fight on the frontline and I’m confident that we will win the battle," said Zhou Xuchun, chief nurse at the Zhangjiagang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

To avoid cross-infection and save time when wearing and taking off protective suits, many team members had their hair cut before leaving for Hubei.

A brief farewell ceremony was held before their departure, with the city's Mayor Pan Guoqiang in attendance.

He expressed his respect and gratitude for the contribution of the medical workers and warned them to protect themselves when working in Hubei.