If Wuhan wins, Hubei wins; if Hubei wins, the whole country wins.

　　This COVID‑19 epidemic is the most rapid‑spreading, widely contagious, and difficult‑to‑contain major public health emergency to have occurred in China since the founding of the People’s Republic. Under the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, and with the vigorous guidance and oversight of the Central Guidance Group dispatched to Hubei, the vast ranks of cadres and the people in Hubei and Wuhan—the main battlefields in the fight against the epidemic—have united as one, raced against time, fought day and night, and maintained high morale. With even greater confidence, unwavering resolve, decisive measures, and more effective approaches, they are resolutely waging a decisive battle to defend Hubei and safeguard Wuhan.

　　Through the arduous efforts of the entire nation, we are now seeing an initial trend of steadily improving epidemic control and a rapid resumption of production and daily life. Nevertheless, the tasks of epidemic prevention and control in Hubei Province and Wuhan remain daunting and demanding. To raise the cure rate and reduce the mortality rate, Hubei Province—particularly Wuhan—has focused on two critical pillars: treatment and containment. It has implemented “three full‑coverage measures”—comprehensive screening and identification, closed‑community management, and strict control of public spaces—while establishing “two closed loops”: one for data and information management, and another for patient admission and care. At the same time, it has strengthened five key areas of support—medical personnel, medical supplies, daily necessities, basic public services, and social stability—ensuring that from hospitals to communities, from cities to rural areas, this “decisive battleground” is sounding the clarion call for final victory.

　　Containing the Epidemic: The Key Lies with the Party, the Key Lies with the People

　　The exact number of the “four categories of people” remained unclear, and those who were infected or suspected of being infected sought help everywhere, further fueling the spread of the epidemic—issues that once posed major challenges to Wuhan’s epidemic control efforts.

　　If temporarily closing outbound channels from Wuhan was about cutting off the source and stopping the flow, then conducting a comprehensive screening to identify the “four categories of people” was akin to removing the firewood from under the pot—striking at the root of the problem!

　　On February 16, the Hubei Provincial Party Committee and the provincial government took extraordinary measures, issuing a public notice on epidemic prevention and control and implementing a series of strategies to contain the spread and ensure timely treatment, which greatly boosted the morale of nearly 60 million officials and residents across the province.

　　In accordance with the CPC Central Committee’s directives and the requirements of the central guidance group, we must conduct a thorough screening to ensure “no household is left behind” and admit every patient without exception. Hubei and Wuhan have no way back and no other choice. We must burn our boats and fight to the death!

　　“Have the gates been secured? Has the epidemiological investigation been carried out thoroughly? How are things progressing at the community level?” In the hard-hit areas of Huanggang and Xiaogan, Hubei Provincial Party Secretary Ying Yong focused on these three key issues, urging officials to summon the determination and courage to fight with everything on the line, tackle tough challenges head-on, and resolutely see the mission through.

　　“How many confirmed cases are there? How many people have been identified through screening? Have the求助 messages received from media outlets and online platforms in recent days been verified and resolved one by one?” To ensure the accuracy of the figures from Wuhan’s citywide, bottom-up screening campaign—leaving no room for even the slightest falsehood—Wang Zhonglin, Secretary of the Wuhan Municipal Party Committee, paid an unannounced visit to local communities to get a firsthand grasp of the situation.

　　Patients are categorized and admitted accordingly: confirmed cases, suspected cases, febrile patients under isolation and observation, and close contacts. All measures must be implemented with the utmost rigor, practicality, and meticulous attention to detail. “Only those who can charge forward at critical moments and dare to step up in times of peril are true Communists.”

　　Within a three-day deadline, a comprehensive, bottom-up inspection was launched. Cadres from Wuhan’s municipal government agencies put their original aspirations into action, rising to the challenge and descending to the grassroots level; public security officers shouldered their mission, volunteering for duty and rushing to the front lines; meanwhile, community-level officials and grid workers mobilized across the board, working day and night to conduct door-to-door visits and registration.

　　On February 19, in a move dubbed “settling the score,” all 15 districts of Wuhan submitted their reports. Late that night, the secretaries and mayors of each district signed additional “letters of accountability,” stipulating that any confirmed patient remaining at home without hospitalization would result in immediate disciplinary action.

　　The data speak for themselves. Starting February 2, Wuhan reported more than a thousand new confirmed cases daily for 17 consecutive days; by February 19, the number had dropped to the triple digits. On February 20, the number of patients discharged from hospitals surpassed the number of newly confirmed cases for the first time. Meanwhile, the three key response units—the “unadmitted” help‑seeking hotline, the 120 emergency services, and the fever clinics—also underwent quiet but significant changes, as online requests for assistance from COVID‑19 patients in Wuhan gradually subsided.

　　“Our community has finally been thoroughly checked!” Online, many residents commented: “This round of screening is real—truly comprehensive, with full‑scale coverage and door‑to‑door visits.”

　　There is no obstacle too great to overcome, no challenge too daunting to surmount. Following the comprehensive screening and clearance campaign, Wuhan pressed ahead with renewed vigor, capitalizing on its momentum. On February 28, all confirmed and suspected cases at quarantine facilities were cleared; by March 1, the “four categories of people” had been fully screened and categorized, with zero remaining cases in each category.

　　However, “strengthening epidemic prevention and control requires unwavering vigilance from beginning to end,” and no blind spot may be overlooked. Following the stringent control of outbound travel from Wuhan and Hubei Province, all special facilities across the province—such as detention centers and nursing homes—have reinforced their efforts to ensure that local, principal, and supervisory responsibilities are fully implemented. A comprehensive closed‑management system has been put in place, with all personnel prohibited from entering or leaving; any emerging issues are addressed decisively and without hesitation.

　　As epidemic prevention and control measures are tightened, implemented rigorously and put into practice with meticulous attention to detail; as all those who should be isolated are isolated and cleared daily, and all those who should be admitted are admitted and discharged on the same day, the entire province—urban and rural alike—leaves no blind spots. With public spaces now clean and public confidence restored, a series of positive developments have quietly emerged, like a touch of spring blossoming on the branches, bringing with them a glimmer of hope for securing a decisive victory in the fight against the pandemic.

　　Putting Life First: Going All Out to Provide Focused Treatment

　　Behind the daily tally of new confirmed cases are countless lives, each one uniquely precious.

　　Following the emergency airlift of four ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) units to Wuhan on February 25—bringing hope for survival to critically ill patients with severe cardiopulmonary failure—the authorities once again dispatched an additional 16 ECMO devices just one day later.

　　It is far more than just a life-saving machine. Over the past month and more, more than 340 medical teams—comprising over 42,000 healthcare workers—have converged on Wuhan and flocked to cities and prefectures across Hubei Province from all corners of the country.

　　General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized the need to “always put the safety and health of the people first and spare no effort in treating patients.” To ensure that frontline medical personnel have an adequate supply of essential resources and state-of-the-art equipment, and to provide them with enhanced protection and greater combat effectiveness, relevant national authorities have gone to great lengths to meet treatment‑related needs. Medical devices and consumables—including ventilators, protective suits, isolation gowns, and N95 masks—have been continuously delivered.

　　Racing against the pandemic, China Construction Third Engineering Bureau poured all its efforts into building Huoshenshan Hospital; in a race against time, Wuhan Real Estate Group worked around the clock to construct Leishenshan Hospital. With two “Xiaotangshan”‑style hospitals in Wuhan now completed and operational, and more designated hospitals ramping up at full speed, the situation remains grave: a large number of patients awaiting treatment are growing increasingly anxious.

　　Better to wait for the bed than have the patient wait for the bed! To move the frontline of treatment upstream and ensure that the principles of “early detection, early reporting, early isolation, and early treatment” are fully implemented, the Central Guidance Group made a decisive decision: urgently build makeshift hospitals—there is no time to lose! And swiftly complete nucleic acid testing for all existing suspected cases and individuals at quarantine facilities—every minute counts!

　　Wuhan’s convention and exhibition centers, sports venues, industrial warehouses, and other facilities were swiftly converted into makeshift hospitals. Starting on February 5, when the Jianghan Fangcang Hospital began admitting patients, Wuhan—working with no prior experience—overcame numerous challenges, including a shortage of construction personnel and disruptions in the transport of building materials. By February 28, the city had completed 16 such facilities, with more than 13,000 beds in operation, and had treated over 12,000 mild‑case patients.

　　As construction standards have advanced from Version 1.0 to Version 3.0, medical equipment such as CT scanners has been steadily expanded, and treatment capabilities have been continuously enhanced. Field hospitals now enable the triage and separate management of severe and mild cases, thereby upholding a “Life Ark” brimming with love and hope!

　　As of March 9, the 13 makeshift hospitals have been gradually decommissioned after successfully fulfilling their noble mission.

　　Square dancing, aerobics, photo‑sharing and book‑reading have all gone viral, while numerous “red‑armband” volunteers offer their services. Life in the makeshift hospitals is far from monotonous; doctor–patient relationships are warm and close, and many recovered patients leave the facilities with tears of gratitude in their eyes.

　　To date, Wuhan’s daily nucleic acid testing capacity has exceeded 20,000 tests, enabling the timely clearance of feverish patients and close contacts. The number of hospital beds has been expanded from a severe shortage to 40,000, shifting the situation from “people waiting for beds” to “beds waiting for people,” with each bed supported by dedicated medical staff, adequate medical supplies, and robust logistical services. Isolation and treatment facilities are also equipped with essential medical personnel and standard therapeutic resources.

　　To help more patients recover as soon as possible, the medical community has devoted itself to tackling the challenge, continuously refining treatment protocols, and achieving favorable outcomes through an integrated approach of traditional Chinese and Western medicine. As of 24:00 on March 8, Wuhan had a cumulative total of 30,933 patients who had been cured and discharged.

　　Behind the constantly updating data, countless unsung heroes shine in their selfless dedication; and every smile of patients who have recovered and been discharged is imbued with the sweat and tenacious spirit of white-clad warriors who fear neither life nor death.

　　In the early hours of March 1, Jiang Xueqing, chief physician at Wuhan Central Hospital and a member of the Communist Party, died in the line of duty after intensive efforts to save him proved futile. The people of Wuhan are deeply grateful to all the white-clad warriors who bravely charged into the front lines during the fight against the COVID‑19 pandemic, and will forever remember the medical personnel who sacrificed their lives to save others.

　　When drinking water, remember its source; when receiving kindness, strive to repay it.

　　In the early hours of February 22, members of the Hunan medical team staying at a hotel across from Taoshan Village in Wuchang District were surprised to see, under the lights, that the residential building opposite had posted eight large characters reading: “Thank you, angels who march against the tide.” On February 25, the first batch of 138 Shandong medical workers dispatched to aid Huanggang, Hubei, arrived in Luotian County for a rotation break and received meticulous arrangements from the local authorities. On February 26, a couple in Wuhan who had recovered from COVID‑19, upon completing their 14‑day quarantine, promptly went to Hubei Provincial People’s Hospital and each donated 400 milliliters of convalescent plasma.

　　Strict prevention and control: Efforts remain unwavering, and standards stay tight.

　　Reducing existing cases, controlling new infections, and preventing the emergence of new outbreaks—Hubei Province and Wuhan are still facing formidable challenges in their epidemic prevention and control efforts. The slightest carelessness could undo all previous progress; every measure must be tightened, and every potential breach firmly sealed.

　　In this regard, General Secretary Xi Jinping has explicitly emphasized: “We must remain highly vigilant against complacency, war-weariness, wishful thinking, and a lax attitude!”

　　Strict prevention and control are crucial to winning the battle against the epidemic; keeping people from moving and vehicles from traveling is key to cutting off the virus’s transmission. To leave no blind spots or gaps in prevention and control, starting February 16, all villages, communities, and residential areas across urban and rural areas throughout the province have implemented round-the-clock, rigorously enforced closed-loop management.

　　When the battle is toughest, we need to double our efforts!

　　In Huanggang City, 20,000 Party members and cadres living at home have unconditionally complied with the unified deployment of their local communities and village groups, donning “red armbands” to conduct surveys and registration, carry out patrols for prevention and control, provide shopping‑and‑delivery services, and perform disinfection and cleaning. Meanwhile, in Xiaogan City, 1,278 poverty‑alleviation teams stationed in villages have been reorganized on the spot into anti‑epidemic task forces, guiding villagers to stay put, remain calm, avoid unnecessary travel, refrain from visiting one another, and steer clear of gatherings—maintaining strict vigilance to cut off sources of infection.

　　From Wuhan to Xiangyang, and from Jingzhou to Yichang, reporters conducted on-the-ground visits along the way, personally witnessing how the people of Hubei have demonstrated an unwavering spirit: some patiently stay at home, minimizing outings; others take their temperature daily and report their readings conscientiously; still others volunteer for duty, stepping forward without hesitation; and many make selfless donations, offering their care and support. Everywhere, they have shown an indomitable resolve and unyielding determination.

　　Containing the epidemic is both a major battle and a severe test.

　　Wherever the patients are, there is where Party members and cadres must fight! Wherever the reporter went, wherever there were difficulties, there the Party flag flew; wherever the danger was greatest, there the Party emblem shone; wherever the epidemic raged, there stood a “strong bastion” on guard.

　　“In the face of major tests, we are better able to assess and identify cadres.” To date, across Hubei Province, numerous cadres who have performed their duties effectively have been promoted by organizations at various levels; more than 1,000 outstanding individuals who have bravely charged into the fray and dedicated themselves wholeheartedly have joined the Party on the front lines, and over 11,000 frontline workers have submitted applications to join the Party.

　　The pandemic is both a mirror and a measuring stick.

　　At critical moments, some Party members and cadres failed to stand the test and even performed poorly. In response to those who, under wartime conditions, revealed laxity in work style, a failure to ensure implementation, and a reluctance to take responsibility or act, disciplinary inspection and supervision authorities at all levels in Hubei Province have taken decisive action; to date, more than 1,000 individuals have been held accountable.

　　People’s war relies on the people.

　　On February 23, the Wuhan Municipal Party Committee and the Municipal Government issued an open letter commending all citizens for “keeping the bigger picture in mind and acting with a sense of responsibility” by staying home and maintaining daily life; they also encouraged everyone to “show sincerity, warmth, perseverance, and concrete action,” and to remain steadfast until the city is completely free of the virus.

　　“Food is the paramount necessity of the people.” The difficulty and high cost of grocery shopping, coupled with monotonous pre‑packaged meal sets, have increasingly become a source of frustration for residents in Wuhan and other major cities across the province; meanwhile, numerous other inconveniences in daily life are also gradually coming to light.

　　The “rice bags,” “vegetable baskets,” “medicine boxes,” and various logistical supplies are matters of vital concern to the people. No matter how daunting the tasks or how numerous the challenges, we cannot afford even a moment’s delay in ensuring citizens’ three daily meals, hospitals’ essential services, and the supply of materials for relief teams.

　　While continuing to strengthen controls on travel out of Wuhan and Hubei Province, the Hubei Provincial Party Committee and the provincial government have worked to keep “green channels” open, ensuring that the basic living needs of the public are effectively met.

　　Party committees and governments across Hubei Province, under “wartime conditions,” are leveraging their robust organizational and mobilization capabilities to bolster market supply, streamline delivery systems, and ensure affordable prices. In Xiangyang, the “mobile vegetable basket” delivery service achieved full coverage of all 2,155 residential communities in the city within just four days.

　　In Wuhan, major retailers and supermarkets have swiftly pivoted their in-store operations to local platforms like JD.com and Tmall, transforming their physical stores into forward‑stocking warehouses. Their on‑site staff have taken on roles as movers, sorters, and delivery personnel, while tens of thousands of “going‑against‑the‑tide” workers quietly keep the supply chain for daily necessities running.

　　At noon on February 25, in an open space outside the Wuhan Zhongshang Affordable Plaza, hundreds of supermarket employees were sorting vegetables, meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products. They were preparing more than 10,000 meal packages containing vegetables, meat, poultry, and eggs for local residents, as well as supplies destined for 17 medical teams dispatched from other provinces—yet no one seemed to notice that it was already lunchtime.

　　On the narrow passageways outside the open lot, heavy trucks are busy unloading, buses are making deliveries, and small forklifts are sorting goods—everyone and every vehicle is in constant motion. Every day, they leave early and return late, bringing fresh meat, eggs, and vegetables while also delivering warmth and hope to the city’s residents.

　　Having endured the swirling snow, we welcome the rebirth of all things.

　　At East Lake in Wuhan, weeping willows unfurl delicate strands of fresh green; across the land of Jingchu, fields of rapeseed bloom in swathes of golden yellow. How deeply people long to set aside their masks, step into nature, and let their bodies and minds soar. Yet the pandemic persists, and the turning point remains yet to come.

　　He who travels a hundred li is halfway there at ninety. The closer one gets to success, the greater the challenges become, and the more steadfast perseverance is required.

　　We will not declare victory until we achieve complete success!

　　We firmly believe that, under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee and guided and supervised by the Central Guidance Group, the heroic people of Hubei and Wuhan, while maintaining an unwavering pace, intensity, and vigilance in epidemic prevention and control, will heed the Party’s call, follow the Party’s lead, remain vigilant, resist war-weariness, reject complacency, and sustain their efforts. Together, they will rally the mighty force of rigorous prevention and strict control, forge an impregnable bulwark in this people’s war, and secure final victory in this battle to contain the virus!

　　(By our reporters He Guanghua, Wang Xiaodong, Zhang Zhifeng, Tian Doudou, Hou Linliang, Li Changyu, and Fu Wen)