Peking University, March 13, 2020: Peking University First Hospital immediately dispatched medical teams to Wuhan, the epicenter of the epidemic, amid the surging demand for medical workers due to the COVID-19 outbreak. After working tirelessly on the front line for a whole day, the medics documented what they had witnessed and how they had felt at work in their diaries
Diary 1
February 4, 2020
People often say “motherhood strengthens a woman”. As a mother of two children, I want to defend you from any danger; I’m willing to do my utmost to ensure your safety and happiness, and I wish I could witness each moment of your growth.
However, before the winter holiday, I consulted with my husband about canceling the long-awaited trip and staying in Beijing. We hope our son, the elder child, can accept it without too much disappointment.
“My boy, Mama has something to tell you. Now there is a formidable virus, called novel coronavirus. It has made many people ill. For our safety, we have to stay in Beijing during the Spring Festival this year.”
“Mama, can’t we go back to our hometown in Sichuan? I want to celebrate the New Year there.”
“It is too risky to go on the journey. Once we get through this, father and mother will take you back to Sichuan, all right?”
“Well, all right…”
The unannounced war against the virus broke out stealthily. My children, I can’t stay by your side. I will head for the frontline to fight against the virus with all effort despite its negligibility.
“My boy, do you remember the novel coronavirus? I’ve told you once. Mama will go to Wuhan to fight against it, so it may be a long time that we can’t see each other.”
“I understand. Good luck Mama, I believe you can defeat the virus!”
I bid farewell to my aged parents, settle down my baby daughter whom I had to wean in advance, and waved goodbye to my husband and son. Before my departure, my son said, “I hope it will be you who find the medicine against the virus.” Your smile soothes me. Now I know I am your hero.
I left for Wuhan on January 26th. After two days’ training and preparation, I started my work in the wards on 29th. I gradually got familiar with my work after a few days. My colleagues are optimistic, easy-going, and helpful. They work devotedly, carefully, and caringly. Such a team enhances our confidence in victory over the virus. Influenced by my colleagues, I’m able to contact my families with a more relaxed attitude, and I can feel the alleviation of their worries. I see my children are as carefree as usual. What I have done is worthwhile. Today I was transferred to a newly-opened ward to take care of more critically ill patients. I hope everything will go on well. My children, I know you are encouraging me. I hope I can be your model, and wish you to grow into courageous and responsible people. This time, your mother chooses an alternative way to protect you. My children, wait for my return. I promise I’ll be home to celebrate your birthday; is that okay?
Jia Na, nurse-in-charge of the Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine
Diary 2
February 4, 2020
It has been ten days since I left my home in Beijing. I do not feel afraid. Having arrived in Wuhan, I feel it was just a change of workplace. I am a nurse in the Department of Infectious Diseases. Although patients who suffer from Category A infectious diseases are beyond the charge of my previous department, we do adopt febrile patients whose fever is induced by various reasons, and are accustomed to taking preventive measures and preventing cross-infection when operating medical devices, let alone the stricter protective measures we have now. It is true that working in the affected area is riskier, but I don’t think my working environment is much different than before. I told myself to work steadily. I devoted myself to a series of procedures and ceaseless inspection of my patients, which make me too busy to remember the time. Now I can stop to recall these days, but I do not even know the date and the day of the week. I can only remember I departed on the first day of the Chinese lunar year.
I kind of miss my family. The Spring Festival should be the day when family members get together, and for me it is when I left my families. These days whenever I have spare time, I will contact my families through video call. There is a distance of a thousand mile away between us. My families express their greetings and worries a lot on the video. At least it is an alternative way for us to be together.
After I left Beijing, I concern most about my child. He is five and a half years old now. His childhood nickname is “Kuaikuai”, meaning happiness, which is our only expectation for him. Ordinarily my husband goes home every week or every other week, with little time to look after our child. Now he has an opportunity to accompany the child. My only wish is their safety and health.
People in Wuhan are hospitable. The hotel staff that serve us and the drivers that deliver us to and from the hospital always thank me for my dedication to my work. There is also a young man who impresses me by bringing a birthday cake to my colleague in person. Their kindness warms my heart. There are many other details that have touched me: In afraid that we may feel cold or be short of supplies, Wuhan citizens sent us many goods, such as electric radiators, hand warmers, cotton padded overcoats, thermal underwear, hand cream, and yogurts. We are overwhelmed by people’s care and thoughtfulness. I treasure up these touching pieces of people’s good will in my heart. I would like to contribute all my efforts, but I always find I have done too little. I will spend each of my day in Wuhan to do whatever I can, whatever I should, and whatever I’m allowed to do.
Wuhan, I wish you good luck, and hope our spring will come sooner.
Guo Mengran, nurse-in-charge of the Department of Infectious Diseases
Translated by: Fan Xueyuan
Edited by: Wei Yunqi
Source: Peking University First Hospital
