It also found that migrant workers were more affected psychologically than others.

Qiu Jianyin, who headed the research, said such workers are worried about delays in restarting employment, and possibly losing their jobs. They are also concerned about being exposed to the virus when they use public transportation to return to their jobs in big cities.

"In addition, they are worried about losing income, as they have to stay at home for 14 days on arrival in cities, and they are fretting over reduced job opportunities until there is a full resumption of work," he said.

Some doctors and nurses have been working hard to bring a smile to their patients and to themselves.

Huang Jing, a nurse from Shanghai Huashan Hospital Affiliated with Fudan University, initially painted a pair of wings on the back of her protective suit every day as she worked at different hospitals in Wuhan.

"It gave me energy as I tended to patients' various needs on a daily basis," she said.

"I have also exercised in my hotel room every day, which has helped me get a good sleep. If I do have difficulty in falling asleep occasionally, I start yoga meditation.

"We also have a professional team supporting us in efforts to prevent ourselves from becoming infected."

This month, Huang has drawn an image of Mickey Mouse on the back of her protective clothing－explaining to patients that she was born in the Year of the Rat.

"All the patients guessed that I'm 24 when they saw it, and that made my day," she said with a laugh.