Zhang Yan works as a doctor in the intensive care unit of Tangshan Infectious Disease Hospital, the designated hospital for treating patients infected with the novel coronavirus, in north China's Hebei province.

Zhang was deployed to treat severe cases in the city and has now been away from his family for more than 20 days. His wife Yuanyuan has had to singlehandedly take care of their two kids, aged six years and just nine months.

"We all miss him very much. But his main duty now as a doctor is fighting the virus outbreak with courage and dedication. He's our hero," Yuanyuan said. "I'll always stand behind him, by taking care of everything at home."

To express her love and support for her husband, Yuanyuan recorded a short video, in which all their family members appear. In the video, the eldest son spoke with tears in his eyes: "Dad, I think you're more than a doctor. You're like a soldier protecting our safety and health. I want to be as brave as you. Dad, we're waiting for you to come back home."