BEIJING, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese nation has never been short of trials and hardships on its journey to rejuvenation. The latest example is the outbreak of a novel coronavirus epidemic.

By early Thursday, 571 confirmed cases of pneumonia caused by the coronavirus had been reported in the country, resulting in 17 deaths.

The source of the virus has yet been found, and the virus is considered mutable and has transmitted from human to human. The risk of increased transmission is rising with increased population mobility during the Spring Festival holiday. China is on its highest alert and will spare no efforts in fighting the epidemic.

An upgraded monitoring system and epidemic risk alert system have been introduced across the nation. Passengers are advised against traveling to Wuhan, capital city of Hubei Province, where the virus was first discovered.

Governments at all levels are fully aware of the severity and complexity of the epidemic. In Hubei, the local government has applied the most stringent emergency response and measures, and vowed to win the battle with a firm stance. It underscored the importance of transparency in information disclosure and pledged zero tolerance for false reports and cover-ups.

Medical staff in Wuhan have volunteered to work around the clock at the forefront of prevention and control efforts. Medical resources are mobilized in the shortest time possible, offering patients timely testing and treatment.

Governments at all levels are fully aware of the severity and complication of the epidemic with enhanced alert of risks and bottom-line mentality. It is a political task that must be fulfilled.

The public has also become more composed and sober in facing the epidemic. On WeChat, a popular social media platform in China, people are sharing knowledge about disease prevention and control, allowing fewer channels for rumors.

Viruses know no borders. More infections have been confirmed outside of China over the past few days, making international cooperation on combating the epidemic more urgent. Chinese authorities, acting with a high sense of responsibility, have shared information about the epidemic with the international community in a timely manner, and vowed to work with all parties to jointly tackle the epidemic and safeguard regional and global health security.

Clearly the country is facing a new challenge in the year when it is scheduled to complete building a moderately prosperous society in all respects. Hardships have long hounded the nation's journey to rejuvenation. But where there is a will, there is a way.

China must win the battle against the new virus, and there is no turning back.