Police officers in Wuhan have had a busy February, even with most people there staying home under the city's lockdown. During epidemic control, persuasion has become a key job for them when seeing someone keep wandering around.

Cao Yikun, a police officer at Yongqing police station, said she has to understand people's anxiety and anger due to the mental pressure brought about by the lockdown.

"I have to find a way to persuade them to do what I want them to do," Cao said.

But when local government scaled up screening and quarantine efforts, the difficulties were already there.

"They just shut you out," she expressed the frustration. "You offer them as much as possible, but they wouldn't listen to you."

The 39-year-old said they have to show up more sympathy to those in need that they at least feel secured.

Cao spent three days persuading an infected man to go to a quarantine hotel, as his pregnant wife also needed his care at home.

When asked if the law enforcement was needed, Cao said it was important to take it as a "leverage" in negotiating with them.

But some would still insist saying they are healthy without any COVID-19 symptoms, given my reporting experience, because they worried about the environment of temporary medical facilities or the potential exposure to other infections.

"Mostly, they will come around in the end," Cao said, adding it requires much patience.

Cao has also dealt with foreign affairs in her district, including some foreign countries' flight evacuation of their nationals. Her team assisted them with vehicles heading to the airport.

She showed understanding of this situation, noting there might be inconvenience for foreigners at the moment, for instance, no individual shopping.

Pene Quarry said Celina, Cao's English name, was one of the first people she met in Wuhan when she moved there six years ago. 

She stays, giving her Australian family an excuse that she wants to keep her dog company. But the real reason is she is not worried about the epidemic situation and she wants to support the city.

"I think it is a tragedy for Wuhan," she regretted, referring to the World Military Games Wuhan hosted last year and the livable transformation for foreigners.

"I don't want the city to be damaged by this," she added.

Due to the outbreak, Cao cancelled her March holiday to watch her favorite sport, figure skating championships, in Montreal, Canada. But Cao said there is one thing she wants to do the most.

"Just go home, getting into my bed, and sleep for like two days," she hoped.

I truly understand it after the whole day being with her. I can sense her tiredness through her voice, her expression and her walk. These days, she had to be on foot patrol for three communities, walking at least three times the usual distance.