WUHAN, Feb. 18 (Xinhua)-Liu Zhiming, head of the Wuchang Hospital in Wuhan, the epicenter of the novel coronavirus epidemic (COVID-19), died from the virus Tuesday, according to the municipal health commission.

Liu, 51 and a neurosurgeon by training, became infected while working to combat the virus. He passed away at 10:54 am, Beijing time, Tuesday, despite his colleagues' all-out efforts to save his life.

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, Liu, regardless of personal safety, led all medical personnel of Wuchang Hospital on the front line to fight against the epidemic, making important contributions to the city's epidemic prevention and control, according to the eulogy issued by the health commission.   ■