Working soaked in sweat under layers of protective clothing, the workers' hair has grown long－a burden many of them are only too eager to shed.

"Many breathe a huge sigh of relief after I cut their hair," Li said."I bet they feel as if a huge weight has been taken off their head."

But some female medical workers have been heartbroken to lose their long hair－dyed and permed at considerable expense for Spring Festival celebrations. They compromised by agreeing to keep it neck-length. Work is the priority, they said.

Li's clients talk little about the outbreak, seeing a visit to him as a brief respite from their labors.

But on the few occasions he has forgotten to disinfect the tools of his trade, he has been reminded of the tense atmosphere in which the workers toil, as his next customer immediately sprays alcohol disinfectant on his scissors, apron and throughout the salon.

Liu usually works at the hotel from 1 pm to 8 pm. On Feb 8 and 9, he cut the hair of some 80 medical workers. He works as fast as he can, taking an average of five minutes on each.

"It's not easy being here. It's not for fun or for putting on a show," Li said."I am trying to cut the hair of as many of these workers as I can."

He was planning to complete 120 haircuts for the workers over three days, but his wife developed a cough, disrupting his schedule.

Li is concerned about her, as he fears he could have been infected by the virus.

He has decided to stay at home for several days' quarantine, and if he does not develop any symptoms he will resume his work at the hotel. Several other hospitals have also asked him for help.