Central China's Wuhan battle with a pneumonia outbreak continued with the announcement that it was closing its airport and railway stations, as well as short distance ferries and long-distance coaches starting from 10 a.m., Jan. 23, while asking citizens not to leave the city without a good reason to do so.

The message, released at midnight, sent a clear signal that Wuhan is adopting more detailed, in-depth and concrete measures to prevent the epidemic from spreading further.

The prevention and control of infectious diseases is a complicated process, and the special measures taken right now make sense. These special measures mean the daily lives of citizens in Wuhan will unavoidably be affected, and everyone playing a role in the battle against the pneumonia outbreak deserves our greatest respect.

The special measures cannot be taken without faith that the government will serve the people wholeheartedly. Responding to the reasonable demands of the people and minimizing the unfavorable factors brought by the emergency measures are also urgent matters.

It is a test for China’s governance system and capability, as no city in the country would be able to just stand by and watch.

The rapid expansion of the epidemic has created challenges for some regions, so it’s especially urgent to guarantee the storage and supply of drugs and sterilization equipment. China, as the world’s factory, does not lack a production force, and filling the current supply gaps is not a difficult matter. We call on the relevant parties to “put the pedal to the floor” to guarantee production, and urge every city in the country to offer mutual assistance to get through the challenge.

Wuhan, hang in there! You have the support of all people across the country. The more difficult the situation is, the more united the Chinese people are. This has been constantly proven by both history and reality.