Acts of human kindness bring hope in challenging times

"Many people have now returned to Shanghai after the holiday, so there is more reason for us to stay alert."

In addition to providing information, community workers are going door to door to learn about residents' recent travel history and the people they have come into contact with, as well as helping the more than 8,000 individuals who are quarantined at home to cope with the situation.

One of the most recent tasks the community workers had was to contact travelers from Hubei who have been quarantined at a hotel since before Spring Festival. Zhang and his colleagues have also been helping this group buy daily necessities.

"We are aware of the risk of human contact, so we post messages on the electronic screens and gates. When we have to make home visits, we make phone calls beforehand and ensure we are dressed in protective gear."

To help those quarantined remain cheerful, Zhang makes frequent calls to them to provide emotional support.

"I've done some homework and have decided to shortlist some local tourist spots so that when this is all over, these people can explore and enjoy Shanghai," Zhang said.