Public hospitals cannot refuse patients who need emergency treatment even if they do not test negative for COVID-19 within 48 hours, a Shanghai health official said on Friday.

Wu Qianyu, a senior inspector of the municipal health commission, said public hospitals across the city must keep the emergency department, fever clinic and other key departments open during the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.

"Should a patient who requires emergency treatment not have a valid nucleic acid test result, hospitals should administer the test as quickly as possible, and proceed with the patient's treatment in a buffer zone or special surgery room," said Wu.

"The test laboratory should be kept open 24 hours a day, and hospital should add more staff and shifts to reduce the waiting time of patients."

In light of the outbreak, the Shanghai Bureau of Veteran Affairs has launched an online consultation platform helmed by volunteer medical personnel. Seventy-three veteran military medics have since Tuesday been taking turns to provide psychological counseling and advice on chronic diseases and daily healthcare matter.

Deng Xiaodong, director of the bureau, said seven academicians and 25 experts retired from hospitals affiliated to the Naval Medical University were among the volunteer veteran medics.