Chinese health official stresses importance of speed in fighting Omicron

Chinese health official stresses importance of speed in fighting Omicron

A Chinese health official,  Liang Wannian has on Friday said the country had entered a new phase in its COVID-19 response.

The new phase of response  was characterised by swift response measures and early intervention to cope with the highly contagious and elusive Omicron variant.

In the new phase, which began in March, resolute and rigorous measures were being taken to stamp out community transmission.

Wannian said that it included managing sources of infection, cutting off transmission routes and protecting vulnerable groups.

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Wannian the head of a National Health Commission COVID-19 expert panel, said at a news conference.

Underscoring the importance of speed in fighting Omicron, he  said efforts should be made to step up monitoring at fever clinics and testing of key groups in order to identify cases as early as possible.

More designated hospitals, makeshift hospitals and quarantine facilities should be prepared to ensure swift upgrades of admission capacity when needed,”  Wannian said.

Wannian  also stressed the importance of prevention and control measures in populous locations or facilities such as nursing homes for the elderly.

(Xinhua/NAN)