Premier Li Keqiang went to Wuhan on Jan 27 to inspect the novel coronavirus control work.

Right after his arrival, Premier Li went to Wuhan Jinyintan Hospital, which has the largest number of diagnosed and critically ill patients, to visit patients and the medical staff on the front line of the battle against the epidemic.

"I, on behalf of the Wuhan people and the whole nation, would like to thank you for your efforts to prevent and control the epidemic and protect the people’s health over the past few days," the Premier said on a video call to medical staff treating patients in the ICU.

He also said in this critical period for prevention and control of the epidemic, the most urgent task is to save all the infected patients.

Being told that nurses are scarcer than doctors here, the Premier immediately urged relevant departments to transfer professional nurses from across the country to ensure medical care in Wuhan.

"The whole nation will have your back," the Premier told the medical staff and asked them to convey good wishes to the patients.

"You should also protect yourself well, so that the patients will have more hope, and the whole nation will have more confidence," the Premier said.

Premier Li also asked the medical staff to call their families as long as they are available and let their family members feel at ease by knowing they are safe.