Bus driver Wang Mian transports medical workers to Tongji Hospital, which provides hundreds of beds for patients infected by the virus. [Photo by Zhu Xingxin/China Daily]

In addition to the extra work, he has been alert to the risks of infection. "Every morning before I set out, I wear a mask and disinfect the bus, which has 20 seats," he said. "Initially, we had no protective gowns, and even doctors and nurses did not have enough of them."

Despite suggestions by his employer that he stay at a hotel to avoid the risk of infecting family members, Wang returns home every day after work.

"I am worried about my wife, who stays at home alone all day, and I want to chat with her before she goes to bed," he said.

Although Wang and his colleagues have worked every day, including weekends, since the Spring Festival holiday, none has asked for leave or to quit, he said.

"Nobody could foresee such an outbreak, and we must stick to our duties even when there are risks," he said. "Who will take the medical workers to hospitals to save patients if we quit?"

Despite experiencing physical and mental stress, Wang said he always tries to remain optimistic and happy.

"I think the outbreak will eventually end and the difficulties will only be temporary. Being sad every day will only make you feel worse," he added.

A native of Wuhan, Wang said he had been touched the most by the united front shown by people from all walks of life.

"I have never seen such solidarity among all kinds of people in the city. Everyone, including bus drivers, medical professionals and construction workers for makeshift hospitals, share one goal－we all want the outbreak to end as soon as possible. As a Wuhan resident, I am very proud," he said.