Shandong medical workers dispatched to combat the novel coronavirus outbreak in Huanggang, one of the hardest hit cities in Hubei province, returned to Jinan, capital of Shandong, on March 21.

Liu Jiayi, Party chief of Shandong province, as well as other officials welcomed the group at Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport, which celebrated the triumphant return with a water arch salute.

Liu said that medical workers have rendered a remarkable service in the battle against the novel coronavirus over the past one and half months and should be hailed as true heroes. Without them, the fight against the virus could not have been won. 

According to local authorities, the medics will be put into quarantine for 14 days at hotels designated by the local government.

Shandong sent a total of 1,797 medical staff and officials to aid Hubei in its efforts to control the disease, treat patients, and manage hospitals.

Among the medical staff from Shandong, 610 were sent to Huanggang, the second-worst hit city in Hubei, where they treated patients at designated hospitals throughout the city.

On March 13, the five counties (county-level cities) of Tuanfeng, Xishui, Qichun, Wuxue and Huangmei in Huanggang were declared clear of confirmed cases of COVID-19.

On March 18, the last two COVID-19 patients in Huanggang were discharged from the Dabie Mountain Regional Medical Center. The Shandong medical team treated 411 patients, 92 of whom were seriously ill.

The Huanggang municipal government awarded the title of "honorary citizen" to the 610 Shandong medical workers to express their gratitude to the medical workers for risking their own lives to help others.

Thirty-two Shandong medical personnel stayed in Huanggang to assist the local community in epidemic prevention and control and prevent a possible rebound of the outbreak.

Local police and airport staff salute the returning medical team from Huanggang on March 21 at Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport. [Photo/dzwww.com]

Medics from Shandong province return home after completing their mission in Huanggang on March 21. [Photo/dzwww.com]

Liu Jiayi, Party chief of Shandong province, delivers a speech at the welcome ceremony. [Photo/dzwww.com]

Top Shandong officials hail the returning heroes. [Photo/dzwww.com]