More scientific, precise and efficient prevention and control of the epidemic

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On January 8, the State Council joint prevention and control mechanism held a press conference to introduce the tenth edition of the prevention and control program. Mi Feng, spokesman for the National Health and Wellness Commission and deputy director of the Department of Publicity, said that from January 8, China officially implemented the “Category B, Category B control” of the new coronavirus infection. The implementation of the “category B B control”, not free regardless, but to emphasize a more scientific, accurate and efficient prevention and control of the epidemic, better coordination of epidemic prevention and control and economic and social development.

Mi Feng pointed out that the local reality, refine the implementation plan, strengthen vaccination, strengthen the stockpile of drugs and medical resources, do a good job of classification and treatment, strengthen the monitoring of the epidemic, strengthen the key institutions, key places to protect, develop relevant plans, strengthen training and guidance, to promote the implementation of measures to ensure the smooth and orderly realization of the transition. To move forward, the whole chain, the whole element, all-out efforts to do a good job to save patients; strengthen the health protection of key populations, health guidance, health monitoring and medical services; strengthen the prevention and control of rural areas, reduce the risk of the spread of the epidemic, and strive to achieve pressure peak staggered; targeted to improve vaccination coverage of the elderly and other key populations.

Recently, the new coronavirus Omicron mutant strain XBB has become the dominant strain in some countries, and the strain has also been detected in China, has the pathogenicity and virulence of XBB become stronger? Chen Cao, a researcher at the Institute of Viral Diseases of the Chinese CDC, said that surveillance data in China show that from August 1, 2022 to now, 16 cases of indigenous association of XBB have been monitored, all of which are XBB.1 evolutionary branch. From the reports and studies now, no increase in serious illnesses and deaths from infection with the XBB family of mutant strains has been observed, meaning it has not significantly increased its pathogenicity. will XBB become a major epidemic strain in the country? Chen Cao said that XBB does not have the advantage of causing transmission in China. Recently, most people infected with two strains of BA.5.2 and BF.7 will produce antibodies for cross-protection against the XBB series of variants in a short period of time, and there will be some protection against the XBB series of variants in a short period of time, and the protection may last for about 6 months for individuals. Therefore, at this stage, XBB will not cause a large-scale local epidemic.

How long after infection can I get vaccinated against the new coronavirus? Wang Huaqing, chief expert in immunization planning at the CDC, said that if infection with the new coronavirus is confirmed through nucleic acid testing and antigen testing, vaccination against the new coronavirus is not recommended in the near future. If vaccinated, the interval between the time of infection and the time of vaccination should be no less than 6 months.

Winter and spring are the seasons when respiratory infections are prevalent. What other vaccines should the elderly receive besides the neo-coronavirus vaccine? Wang Huaqing said that for the elderly, in addition to infection with the new coronavirus, which can lead to some serious illnesses, some vaccine-preventable diseases, including those related to influenza virus and pneumococcus, can also lead to the appearance of serious illnesses. It is recommended that the elderly population eligible for vaccination should receive influenza vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine in addition to the neo-coronavirus vaccine.

During the Spring Festival, the movement of people increases, what self-protection measures does the public take on the way? Chang Zhaorui, a researcher in the Department of Communication and Prevention of the CDC, said that during travel, it is important to do a good job of self-protection: firstly, it is important to wear a mask throughout the whole journey in a confined environment and crowded places; secondly, it is important to maintain a reasonable social distance in public places; thirdly, it is important to do a good job of personal hygiene, especially to pay attention to hand hygiene at all times.

Lei Zhenglong, director of the Department of Prevention of the National CDC, said that experts have concluded that in order to ensure that the general public spend a healthy, safe and peaceful Spring Festival: First, we advocate that people avoid visiting relatives and traveling to areas where the epidemic is highly prevalent, we advocate that people in areas where the epidemic is highly prevalent reduce travel, and the elderly and people with serious underlying diseases should try to avoid travel; second, we should try not to hold large-scale family gatherings, reduce the size and number of family and friends Third, according to the epidemic situation, try not to hold large events and implement preventive and control measures such as ventilation and disinfection.