Shou Xiaoli:

The last question, please.

Zhinews of Shenzhen Satellite TV:

We have noticed that according to the World Health Organization (WHO) recently, the COVID-19 pandemic remains a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). It suggests countries take response measures at any time against a possible new round of COVID-19 breakout in autumn. What targeted epidemic prevention measures will China take accordingly? Thank you.

Lei Zhenglong:

Thank you for your question. We have noticed that in the WHO statement issued on April 13 on the eleventh meeting of the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee, it has determined that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to constitute a PHEIC. China has been paying close attention to the global pandemic situation and adjustment and changes in response strategies and measures of the WHO and various countries to further improve its prevention and control policies and measures. Autumn and winter are the seasons with a high incidence of respiratory infectious diseases. Since 2020, based on the national situation in COVID-19 prevention and control and the mutation of the virus, we have guided local authorities to improve the monitoring and early warning mechanism, strengthen epidemic risk assessment, and further implement the measures of early detection, reporting, quarantine and treatment. We have strengthened epidemic prevention and control at key links and carried out prevention and control of the coronavirus epidemic and other respiratory infectious diseases in a coordinated way, to effectively respond to the epidemic in autumn and winter. 

This year, we will closely keep track of the COVID-19 pandemic situation and the mutation of the virus across the world. Considering that and based on the changes in the epidemic prevention and control situation in China, we will further increase the guidance for local authorities to prepare for the epidemic response in autumn and winter. Thank you.

Shou Xiaoli:

Thank you to all speakers and friends from the media. Today's briefing is now concluded. Goodbye.

Translated and edited by Zhou Jing, Huang Shan, Gong Yingchun, Zhang Junmian, Cui Can, Wang Wei, Yan Xiaoqing, Li Xiao, Li Huiru, Qin Qi, Wang Yiming, Zhang Tingting, Xu Xiaoxuan, Yuan Fang, Wang Yanfang, Xu Kailin, Liu Sitong, Chen Xia, Zhang Rui, He Shan, Liu Jianing, Wang Qian, Zhu Bochen, Dong Qingpei, Yang Xi, Zhang Jiaqi, Zhang Lulu, and Jay Birbeck. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.