A doctor died at home in Sanfutan, Hubei province, on Feb 13, having treated 3,181 patients in the last 30 days of his life. However, since he was not infected with the novel coronavirus and he died at home, the local authority has claimed that his death does not meet the requirements of the relevant regulations to be considered a work-related death.

The doctor's sudden death was undoubtedly caused by his heavy workload. He worked for 30 days without taking a day off, and among the patients he treated over that period of time, 670 had fever, a common symptom of being infected by the novel coronavirus. The intensity and stress of his work are understandable.

The township clinic where he worked said he felt uncomfortable on Jan 31, but did not ask for a break because the clinic was short of hands.

Therefore, it is absolutely justified for the doctor's family to ask the local authority to reconsider its decision.

With the fight against the novel coronavirus entering its most difficult part, the local authority should bear in mind that the medical workers' workload and duty-related pressure are greater than normal. The Work-Related Injury Insurance Regulations that the Xiantao authority cited should apply to the death of the doctor.

The authority should not ignore the fact that article 15 of the regulations unequivocally stipulates that injuries inflicted in disaster relief or other activities safeguarding the national and public interests should also be recognized as duty-related injuries.

Not to mention that the central authorities have clearly stated that medical workers who die on the front line in the battle against the novel coronavirus should be regarded as deaths on duty. Which is not only an acknowledgement of their sacrifices, but also a way to show the State's appreciation of their heroism.

So there is no reason for the local authorities in Xiantao to continue to uphold their dogmatic decision.