"It's going to be another all-nighter. We need to speed up work and complete the hospital as soon as possible," said Lyu Jun, a young truck driver at the construction site. This is his first Spring Festival away from home.

For ordinary people, this year's Lunar New Year's Eve lacks some gatherings but is still a time to extend greetings and wishes.

Yin Yeqiong, from Hunan Province, refunded her tickets back home after much debate. "I had it in my mind to still go home, but finally decided to stay in Wuhan," she said. "Our stay will help reduce panic in other places."

Liu Jie, a dough sculptor, put on a New Year costume and watched the Spring Festival Gala with her family. "We're now at a critical period, so I texted New Year wishes to friends and relatives this year. I believe this is the best way," she said.

Liu Jiapeng, a children's book editor, stayed in Wuhan during the Spring Festival for the past four decades. "I always stayed with my family, and we would have every meal together," said Liu. "But this year, I haven't had one meal with them."

On the day of the Lunar New Year's Eve, he and his wife bought some goods for their parents, brought them to their house and briefly chatted. As they were waiting for the elevator, Liu looked back and saw his father standing at the windowsill, watching them leave.

China is mobilizing medical resources nationwide to aid Wuhan and control the epidemic. Doctors, nurses and experts from across the nation have been selected to join the battle, and manufacturers have restarted their plants to produce medical consumables that have been running short in many places.

A national research team of 14 experts, headed by renowned respiratory scientist Zhong Nanshan, has been set up to help prevent and control the outbreak on Friday.

"This is going to be an unforgettable Spring Festival," said Chen Ying, a writer. "Because I feel that at this moment, there are so many families that I do not know, in every corner of this city, praying for our home."

"My New Year wish is simple," said Liu Jie. "I hope the virus will soon be conquered and everyone in Wuhan and the whole nation would be safe and healthy."