Helping hands make life easier in Wuhan

Peng and her colleagues pay special attention to seniors and people with disabilities. "For those who cannot be reached through WeChat or by phone, we visit their homes every day to check their temperature and health status," she added.

A total of 23 confirmed cases and 10 suspected ones have been found in Peng's community. All the patients have been hospitalized.

After the number of cases surged, Peng feared that she might become infected with the virus.

"My original aspiration of becoming a Communist Party of China member, and also the responsibility I shoulder, enable me to brave the risk of infection and keep fighting the virus," she said on WeChat Moments.

On Jan 23, the authorities in Wuhan announced that the city would be locked down and all public transportation suspended. On Feb 14, they ordered all residential communities to be locked down and people to stay at home as much as possible to reduce transmissions of the disease.

Four days later, some district authorities issued an order stating that people without authorized passes were no longer allowed to enter supermarkets. They also encouraged communities to organize group purchases in line with residents' needs.

With many people mainly staying at home, Peng said some residents had experienced difficulties buying daily necessities, adding that seniors living alone, people with disabilities and those with chronic diseases all need help. There are 621 people age 65 and older in her community.

"I ask my colleagues to give our mobile phone numbers to every resident. If they need help, we are available," Peng said, adding she has made more than 200 trips to help seniors in the community buy medicines.