Passengers wearing masks are seen on Subway Line 5 in Beijing on Jan 28, 2020. [Photo by Wang Jing/China Daily]

Q7. Why is everyone crying for a lack of nurses?

A: The lack of nurses, especially in pneumology departments, is a long-standing problem in the country's medical service system. Under the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, the sharp increase of patients magnified the problem and requires medical force assistance from other places.

Now a large number of healthcare workers have been sent to Wuhan, Hubei province, which will alleviate the shortage of nurses and medical staff in a short period.

Q8. What do you think of the prevention and control of the epidemic spread in the rural areas?

A: We have to pay more attention to rural areas since healthcare conditions are relatively weak there with less medical resources. If the widespread pneumonia disease occurs in rural areas, it will pose a greater challenge and pressure on medical systems. Therefore, we will strengthen monitoring and preventive measures to contain the possible spread of the virus in rural areas.