There was also an unfamiliar working environment. ICU treatment demands proficiency with medical equipment. There are standard protocols to be met and also the understanding among members of an experienced medical team. All of these situations require time to adjust.

It was a high-risk situation. By Feb 11, more than 1,700 medical staff had been stricken by the virus across the country. Six had died, according to the National Health Commission. The infection risk is especially high in ICUs. Intubation, a common treatment for serious coronavirus patients, can create discharges of contaminated blood or body fluid. There are droplets from other respiratory secretions. Luckily, medical staff at the Third People's Hospital has escaped infection.

Additional stress came from changes to their daily lives. Most of them were doubled up in hotel rooms near the hospital. Most free time is spent isolated in the rooms. They can't cook, and they don't have free time. Their regular fare is boxed meals prepared by the hotels. The rooms have no balconies. Clothing has to be aired indoors.