国务院新闻办新闻局副局长、新闻发言人寿小丽:

Shou Xiaoli, deputy director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO

女士们、先生们，大家下午好！欢迎出席国务院新闻办新闻发布会。为贯彻落实党中央对疫情防控工作的重大部署，今天国务院新闻办举行新闻发布会，介绍从严抓好疫情防控工作有关情况，并回答大家关心的问题。出席今天新闻发布会的有：国家卫生健康委副主任、国家疾控局局长王贺胜先生，国家卫生健康委副主任曾益新先生，国家卫生健康委医政医管局局长焦雅辉女士。

Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO). To implement the major directives of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on COVID-19 prevention and control, today the SCIO is holding a press conference on the rigorous COVID-19 response, and we will also answer your questions. We are joined by Mr. Wang Hesheng, vice minister of the National Health Commission (NHC) and administrator of the National Administration of Disease Control and Prevention; Mr. Zeng Yixin, vice minister of the NHC; and Ms. Jiao Yahui, director of the Bureau of Medical Administration of the NHC.

下面，我们首先请王贺胜先生作介绍。

Now, I will give the floor to Mr. Wang Hesheng.

国家卫生健康委副主任、国家疾控局局长王贺胜:

Wang Hesheng, vice minister of the National Health Commission and administrator of the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration

各位记者朋友们，大家下午好！感谢大家对疫情防控工作的关注和支持，我先介绍一下当前疫情防控的重点工作，然后我和我的同事愿意回答大家提出的问题。

Friends from the media, good afternoon. Thank you for your interest in and support for the COVID-19 prevention and control work. First, I will introduce the current priorities of the COVID-19 response, and then my colleagues and I will take your questions.

党中央、国务院高度重视新冠肺炎疫情防控工作，习近平总书记亲自指挥、亲自部署，作出一系列重要的指示批示，强调要坚持“外防输入、内防反弹”总策略和“动态清零”总方针，统筹抓好疫情防控和经济社会发展。

The CPC Central Committee and the State Council attach great importance to COVID-19 prevention and control. General Secretary Xi Jinping has taken personal command, planned the response, and made a series of important instructions. He has emphasized adherence to the overall strategy of "preventing inbound cases and domestic resurgence" and the dynamic zero-COVID approach, as well as the need to coordinate the COVID-19 response with economic and social development.

就在昨天，也就是3月17日，习近平总书记主持召开中共中央政治局常务委员会会议，分析新冠肺炎疫情形势，部署从严抓好疫情防控工作。总书记强调，坚持就是胜利，各地区、各部门、各方面要深刻认识当前国内外疫情防控的复杂性、严峻性、反复性，进一步动员起来，统一思想，坚定信心，坚持不懈，抓细抓实各项防疫工作。要始终坚持人民至上、生命至上，坚持科学精准、动态清零，尽快遏制疫情扩散蔓延的势头。要提高科学精准的防控水平，不断优化疫情防控举措。要保持战略定力，坚持稳中求进，统筹好疫情防控和经济社会发展。采取更加有效的措施，努力用最小的代价实现最大的防控成果，最大限度地减少疫情对经济社会发展的影响。

Yesterday, on March 17, General Secretary Xi Jinping presided over a meeting of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee to analyze the latest COVID-19 developments and arrange for better and more stringent epidemic control measures. General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized that victory comes from perseverance, and all local authorities and government departments must be fully aware of the complex, arduous and enduring nature of COVID-19 control both at home and abroad, further social mobilization, build consensus, proceed with greater confidence and perseverance, and carry out all the epidemic control work in a more solid and meticulous manner. He emphasized the need to always put people and their lives first, adhere to the dynamic zero-COVID approach with science-based and targeted measures, and contain the spread of the virus as soon as possible. He said that efforts must be taken to make the epidemic response more science-based and targeted and keep optimizing the response measures. He also called for maintaining strategic focus, pursuing progress while ensuring stability, coordinating the COVID-19 response with economic and social development, adopting more effective measures, striving to achieve the best results in epidemic control with minimum costs, and minimizing the epidemic's impact on the economic and social development.

国家卫生健康委、国家疾控局认真贯彻落实习近平总书记重要指示批示精神，针对近期全国局部地区发生的多起本土聚集性疫情，会同相关部门加强对疫情重点地区的防控指导，落实“早发现、早报告、早隔离、早治疗”的要求，从严从实开展防控工作，坚决采取更加有效、更有针对性的措施，力争尽快有效控制局部聚集性疫情，为人民生活和经济社会发展营造良好的环境。

The NHC and the National Administration of Disease Control and Prevention have been earnestly implementing General Secretary Xi Jinping's important instructions. In response to multiple local case clusters in parts of China, we have worked with relevant authorities to strengthen guidance for key regions. We have worked to ensure "early detection, reporting, isolation and treatment," implement stringent epidemic prevention and control, and resolutely take more effective and targeted measures. These steps are aimed at suppressing local outbreaks as soon as possible and providing an enabling environment for people's lives and economic and social development.

一是迅速开展疫情的应急处置。近期，全国本土聚集性疫情出现点多、面广、频发的特点。国务院联防联控机制综合组迅速派出国家工作组，赴吉林、山东、广东、黑龙江等省份指导疫情处置工作，会同当地共同分析研判疫情形势，研究疫情防控的措施，加快开展核酸筛查、流调排查和区域协查等措施，落实“四早”要求，全力做好患者的医疗救治工作，全力阻断疫情的扩散蔓延。

First, we have worked swiftly on the emergency COVID-19 response. Recently, China has seen cluster infections spreading widely and occurring frequently in multiple regions. The comprehensive working group under the State Council's inter-agency task force immediately sent national working groups to provinces including Jilin, Shandong, Guangdong and Heilongjiang to guide their COVID-19 response. The groups worked with local authorities to assess the COVID-19 situation, develop response measures, accelerate screening through nucleic acid testing, investigations and regional checks, ensure "early detection, reporting, isolation and treatment," provide the best possible treatment for patients, and curb the spread of the virus.

二是筑牢“外防输入”防线。坚持人、物、环境同防，加强口岸高风险岗位人员的管理，严格闭环管理，加密核酸检测的频次；加强进口冷链食品和高风险非冷链物品等风险的防范；持续加强边境口岸管理，加大非法出入境活动的打击力度。大力推进与陆地邻国边境地区联防联控的机制建设，共同做好边境防疫与货物的通关工作。

Second, we have consolidated the defense line against inbound infections. We worked to ensure sound prevention for people, objects and environments, tighten personnel management at points of entry, implement strict closed-loop management, and increase the frequency of nucleic acid tests; guard against risks from imported cold-chain food and high-risk non-cold-chain objects; step up the management of border areas and points of entry, and intensify the crackdown on illegal entries and exits. We worked vigorously with our land neighbors to build a joint prevention and control mechanism and ensure sound epidemic prevention and customs clearance for cargo at border areas.

三是进一步提高疫情防控和疫情的处置能力。完善监测、流行病学调查、隔离医学观察、社区（村）疫情防控、样本采集和检测等防控的方案，实施核酸初筛阳性后“逢阳必报、逢阳即报、接报即查、先管后筛”，规范疫情发生后的风险人员排查、密接的管理、风险区域划定等工作。坚持中西医并重，同质化、规范化做好患者救治。全面加强医疗机构首诊负责制和院感的防控措施，对7000多家发热门诊和800多家定点医院进行台账式管理。加强核酸检测能力建设，全国总体检测能力超过了4000万份/天。

Third, we have increased capacity for preventing, controlling and handling infections. We improved COVID-19 response plans on monitoring, epidemiological investigation, quarantine for medical observation, community (village)-based epidemic prevention and control, sample collection and testing. We worked to ensure those who test positive are reported and investigated immediately and control measures are taken before screening. We regulated work on the screening of people at risk, the management of close contacts, and identification of risk areas. We attached equal importance to both traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine and provided standard and regulated treatment. We worked to guarantee the implementation of the first consultation responsibility system and strengthen prevention of hospital-acquired infections. We carried out record-based management of more than 7,000 fever clinics and over 800 designated hospitals. We also enhanced our testing capacity, with national testing capacity reaching over 40 million samples per day.

四是做好疫苗接种工作。根据国务院联防联控机制的部署，指导各地积极、稳妥、有序地推进新冠病毒疫苗接种和加强免疫接种工作，不断提高疫苗接种的覆盖率。

Fourth, we work hard to implement vaccination programs. In line with the plans of the State Council joint prevention and control mechanism, we have guided local authorities to step up COVID-19 vaccination and booster vaccination efforts in a proactive, prudent, and orderly manner and further raise the overall vaccination rates.

疫情防控成果来之不易，要格外珍惜。下一步，我们将会同相关部门，深入贯彻落实党中央、国务院的决策部署，继续加强疫情防控的重点工作。

Our achievements in epidemic prevention and control are not easily attained, and it is important to fully recognize their value. Next, we will work together with relevant departments to fully implement the decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council and further step up our efforts in key epidemic control tasks.

一是尽快控制住局部的聚集性疫情。指导疫情重点地区加快核酸筛查和风险人员的排查、流调和管控，尽快实现社会面“动态清零”。

First, we will bring local cluster infections under control as soon as possible. We will guide key regions to accelerate nucleic acid testing and speed up identification, epidemiological investigation, and management of at-risk groups so as to achieve dynamic zero-COVID in communities as soon as possible.

二是坚决守住“外防输入”的防线。做好入境前远端防控，突出人员闭环管理，扩大重点人员监测覆盖面。压实口岸专班的责任，加强河、海岸线巡逻和防疫力量的布控。

Second, we will reinforce the line of defense against imported cases. We will adopt remote prevention and control measures on inbound arrivals, prioritize close-loop management, and expand monitoring coverage of key groups. We will also see that special working teams at port-of-entry areas fulfill their responsibilities for COVID-19 control by stepping up patrols along river banks and coastlines and strengthening the deployment of anti-epidemic personnel.

三是加强重点场所和重点地区常态化疫情防控管理。指导学校、养老院、监所等重点场所、交通场站、商超等人员密集场所，冷链、商超、物流等从业人员严格落实防疫措施。

Third, we will strengthen routine epidemic control and management in key places and key regions. Guidance will be given to schools, nursing homes, detention centers, passenger terminals, shopping malls, supermarkets, and other key venues and densely populated places, as well as cold-chain workers, shopping mall and supermarket staff, logistics workers, and people from other key sectors, for them to strictly implement anti-epidemic measures.

四是进一步提高科学精准防控水平。严格落实预检分诊和首诊负责制，完善多点触发预警机制，推广“抗原筛查、核酸诊断”的监测模式。指导地方科学精准防控，最大限度地减少对经济社会发展的影响。

Fourth, we will make the epidemic response more science-based and targeted. We will strictly implement pre-examination triage, and the first consultation responsibility system. We will also improve the mechanism for issuing early warnings through multiple channels and promote a monitoring model that uses antigen testing for earlier detection and the nucleic acid test for diagnosis. Guidance will be given to local authorities to ensure that their epidemic control work will be more science-based and targeted, minimizing the epidemic's impact on economic and social development.

我先介绍这些，谢谢大家。

That's all for my introduction. Thank you.

寿小丽:

Shou Xiaoli:

谢谢贺胜主任的介绍。下面进入提问环节，提问前请各位媒体记者通报一下所在的新闻机构。请记者开始提问。

Thank you for your introduction, Mr. Wang. Let's move on to the question-and-answer session. Please identify the media outlet you represent before asking a question. Now the floor is open for questions.

中央广播电视总台记者:

China Media Group:

本轮疫情呈现出多地暴发、波及范围广、确诊人数多等特点，如何研判本轮疫情？疫情溯源情况有什么特点？您认为本轮疫情出现的原因是什么？谢谢。

The recent infections feature outbreaks in multiple regions, a wide spread of the virus, and a large number of confirmed cases. What is your assessment of this round of infections? What features have you found from virus origin tracing? What do you think is the reason for the recent resurgence? Thank you.

王贺胜:

Wang Hesheng:

谢谢这位记者的提问，由我来回答一下这个问题。确实，像我们这位记者提到的，我们这次的疫情确实呈现出了点多、面广、频发的特点。主要的原因有四个方面：

Thank you. Now I will answer your questions. Just as you said, we have indeed seen recent infections spreading widely and occurring frequently in multiple regions. There are four main reasons:

一是从2021年12月开始，全球新冠肺炎进入了第四波的流行高峰，现在已经连续11周，每周报告的病例数都超过了1000万，目前仍然是处于高位流行的水平。特别是今年以来，我们周边的国家和地区疫情快速上升，与我国疫情水平的“压力差”不断增大。今年1-2月，每天输入的感染者数日均是91例，远高于2020年的22例和2021年的32例。今年3月以来，日均输入感染者数超过200例，单日最高能超过300例。可以说，近期疫情输入的压力明显增加。

First, since December 2021, the world has witnessed the fourth pandemic peak of COVID-19, which has lasted for 11 consecutive weeks up to now, with more than 10 million cases reported each week. These figures show that the world is still at a pandemic peak. Since the start of this year, in particular, the virus has spread rapidly in our neighboring countries and regions, producing an increasing "pressure difference" in COVID-19 spread between China and its neighbors. In the first two months of this year, the average number of daily imported infections reached 91 cases, far more than 22 cases in 2020 and 32 cases in 2021. In March 2022, the average number of daily imported infections exceeded 200, with the highest daily number exceeding 300 cases. All these indicate a significant increase in the pressure caused by the recently imported infections.

二是近期全球主要流行的奥密克戎变异株，特别是BA.2亚分支，较以往病毒株的传播性和隐匿性都更强，早期发现难度确实更大了，导致疫情发现时往往已经波及了一定的范围，可以说疫情处置、控制的难度也更加大了。

Second, the Omicron variant of the coronavirus that is now dominant worldwide, especially the Omicron BA.2 sub-variant, is more contagious and less detectable than other strains. So this makes it harder to detect the virus at an early stage. When discovered, the Omicron variant may have already spread to a wide area. And this means that it has become more difficult for us to handle and control the coronavirus.

三是今年2月下旬恰逢我国春节假期结束，学生春季学期开学，企业工人复工等等，带来了人员的大规模流动，加之会议培训、婚丧嫁娶等各类人员聚集性的活动增加，可以说成为了疫情的“传播器”和“放大器”，导致疫情迅速扩散，甚至是跨区域的传播。

Third, in late February, Spring Festival ended, the spring semester began, and companies and workers resumed normal work, which brought a massive flow of population. And there was also an increase in gatherings, such as meetings, training activities, weddings, and funerals. All of these have magnified and amplified the spread of COVID-19, leading to the fast spread of coronavirus and even the transmission across regions.

四是有的地方认为奥密克戎变异株症状轻，流感化，思想松懈麻痹，有“歇歇脚、缓一缓”的心态，各方面准备不足，常态化防控和应急处置放松了要求。

Fourth, some may think the Omicron variant appears to have relatively mild symptoms and is no different from the flu, then they relax their vigilance in guarding against the coronavirus and are not fully prepared to respond to COVID-19, lowering requirements for regular containment measures and emergency responses.

我们组织专家分析研判，大家都认为，全球本轮疫情是高位流行，而且近期不会结束。我国仍将持续面临同时段多地发生以奥密克戎病毒株为主的疫情防控局面，可以说防控的形势日趋严峻复杂。

According to analyses and assessments by experts, this wave of global COVID-19 outbreak is still at a high level and will not come to an end soon. China will continue to face a situation where Omicron-dominated infections may occur in multiple locations simultaneously. It means that epidemic prevention and control will be even more serious and complex.

同时，流调溯源结果也显示，近期我国本土聚集性疫情都是境外输入来源引起的，由于奥密克戎变异株感染后，多以轻症和无症状为主，导致输入来源更加隐匿，传播方式更加多样。而且多地的疫情存在多条传播链条，疫情来源也错综复杂，给溯源和防控工作带来了巨大的挑战。

Epidemiological tracing results also show that the recent cluster infections in multiple regions of China were all caused by inbound cases. In addition, most of the people infected with the Omicron variant present mild symptoms or are asymptomatic, so it is hard to detect the source of the virus and the means of transmission vary significantly. We have discovered multiple transmission routes in different regions and found the source of the coronavirus diverse and complex. This brings huge challenges to the epidemiological tracing work and COVID-19 response.

本轮疫情的这些特点，要求我们进一步提升监测预警的灵敏性，健全多点触发的监测机制，切实提高疫情的“早发现”能力。谢谢。

The characteristics of this wave of the coronavirus outbreak require us to further increase sensitivity in our monitoring and early warning efforts, improve the multi-point trigger mechanism for monitoring, and effectively improve our capacity to detect the coronavirus at an early stage. Thanks.

日本共同社记者:

Kyodo News:

我们都知道，中国的“动态清零”政策是成功的，但是最近各地疫情防控措施有可能极度限制中国的制造业和消费，跟境外的交流也不太方便，外资企业很担忧。“动态清零”政策今年上半年会不会有所改变？谢谢。

We know that China's dynamic zero-COVID policy has been successful. However, the recent COVID-19 containment measures may restrict China's manufacturing sector and consumption and make it difficult to communicate with the overseas market, which triggers worries from foreign-invested enterprises. Will the dynamic zero-COVID policy see any changes in the first half of this year? Thanks.

王贺胜:

Wang Hesheng:

好，这个问题还是由我来回答，谢谢这位记者朋友。疫情发生以来，在以习近平同志为核心的党中央坚强领导下，我国始终坚持把人民的生命安全和身体健康放在第一位，全面加强疫情防控工作，应该说取得了显著成效，最大限度保护了人民的生命安全和身体健康。

Thank you, I will answer your question. Since the outbreaks, under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, China has always put people's lives and health first. We have strengthened our COVID-19 response on all fronts, which delivered outstanding performance and protected the safety and health of the public to the utmost.

“动态清零”是在“外防输入、内防反弹”防控总策略的前提下，认真总结经验教训的基础上提出的防控做法，就是要立足抓早抓小抓基础，提升疫情防范和早发现的能力，快速及早地发现感染者和疫情，做到发现一起扑灭一起，切断传播链，使感染者的数量得到清零。“动态清零”的目标是追求以最低的社会成本，在最短的时间内控制住疫情。“动态清零”的核心是快速反应、精准防控。快速反应的“快速”就体现在快速发现、快速处置、快速阻断。“精准”就体现在疫情防控的流调排查、隔离管控、社区防控、临床救治等全链条的各个环节。

The dynamic zero-COVID approach was put forward under the principle of preventing the coronavirus from entering the country and stemming its domestic resurgence, and is based on summarizing our experiences and learning from lessons. The approach requires us to detect cases at an early stage, contain small outbreaks, and focus on work at a primary level so as to improve our COVID-19 response and our capacity to detect COVID-19 cases early. We act swiftly to detect the people infected and outbreaks at an early stage. When discovered, we take immediate actions to cut off virus transmission so as to reduce infections and achieve dynamic zero infection. The goal of the dynamic zero-COVID approach is to bring the epidemic under control in the shortest possible time with a minimum cost to society. The essence of the approach is to act swiftly and take targeted measures to prevent and control the coronavirus. When we say "act swiftly," we mean to detect and handle the virus rapidly and cut off its transmission quickly. When we say "targeted measures," we mean that the measures are put in place throughout all links, including epidemiological tracing, quarantine, community-level disease prevention and control, and clinical treatment.

我们应该看到，我国的防控实践较好地平衡了疫情防控和经济社会发展之间的关系，已经成为全球唯一经济正增长的主要经济体，这应该说是来之不易的成绩。事实证明，新冠疫情防控的“中国经验”保障了我国人民群众的生命健康，促进了经济的增长。

We should be aware that China has well balanced COVID-19 prevention and control and its economic and social development. The country has become the world's only major economy to register positive growth. This progress did not come easily. It has been proven that China's practice in responding to COVID-19 has safeguarded people's lives and health and ensured economic growth.

实际上，新冠疫情对全球各国经济社会都会造成一定的影响，但是不同的防控策略和措施，对减少和控制这些负面影响存在着差别。在分析经济影响或者防控成本的时候，应该区分哪些影响是疫情本身造成的，哪些是经济发展本身的变化，哪些是疫情防控策略和措施所引起的，我觉得不能一概将经济所受的影响归结于防控策略和防控措施。

In fact, COVID-19 has affected the economic and social development of all countries across the world to different degrees. But the results of different COVID-19 response strategies and measures may vary in easing and controlling those negative impacts. When assessing the impact on the economy or the cost of prevention and control measures, we should figure out what kind of impacts are caused by COVID-19 itself, what is brought by economic development, and what impacts the COVID-19 response strategy and containment measures will have. I don't think we can solely owe the economic impacts to the COVID-19 response strategy and epidemic prevention and control measures.

其次，在评价防控成本和效果的时候，应该从科学上看，一般应该说有四个评价维度。

Second, when assessing the cost and effect of COVID-19 response measures, we should take a scientific approach. They can be assessed in four dimensions.

一是防控成本和防控效果，也就是说花费了多少成本，减少了多少感染、多少重症、多少死亡。我觉得，我们党和政府的防控理念就是人民至上、生命至上，最大程度保护人民群众的生命安全和身体健康。所以我们看到，我国的总感染人数、发病人数、重症人数和死亡人数都是非常少的，这说明，我国的防控成本效果比是高的。

The first is the cost and result of prevention and control; that is, how much cost is spent, how many infections, severe cases and deaths are reduced. I think the prevention and control concept of our Party and government is that people come first, life comes first, and that we must protect the lives and health of the people to the greatest extent possible. Therefore, we can see that the total number of infected individuals, the number of cases, the number of severe cases, and the number of deaths in China are very small, which shows that the cost-effectiveness ratio of prevention and control in China is high.

二是成本效率，即控制和扑灭疫情的速度。我国的防控工作基本上都在1-2个最长潜伏期内快速处置、快速扑灭疫情，这说明成本效率比是高的。

The second is cost-efficiency; that is, the speed with which the pandemic can be contained and extinguished. China's prevention and control work is basically within the one or two longest incubation periods to quickly deal with and quickly extinguish the pandemic, which shows that the cost-efficiency ratio is high.

三是成本效用，也就是通过动态清零、精准防控，我国保证了绝大多数地区、绝大多数民众正常的生产生活，减少了因疫情带来的不便，乃至心理等健康问题。这说明，在牺牲极少一部分人的正常活动和控制极少一部分区域流动的情况下，换取的是最广大地区和民众的正常生产生活。

The third is cost-utility; that is, through the dynamic zero-COVID approach and precise prevention and control. China has ensured the normal production and life of the vast majority of regions and people, reducing inconveniences caused by the pandemic and even reducing psychological and other health problems. This shows that, by limiting the normal activities of a very small portion of people and controlling the population movements within a very small part of the country, we ensured the normal production and life of the broadest areas and people.

四是成本效益，也就是防控成本所带来的经济收益，这方面，关键是要算大账、算动态账。如果仅按疫情发生地、按疫情发生时的成本来算成本效益，是不全面、也不客观的，应该将全国作为一个整体，算大的经济账、大的社会账、大的民生账。

The fourth is cost-benefit; that is, the economic benefits achieved at the cost of prevention and control. In this regard, the key is to look at the big picture and do not only focus on the current situation. It is neither comprehensive nor objective to calculate cost-benefit only based on the costs incurred at the location and time of an outbreak. We should take the entire country as a whole and consider the general benefits to the entire economy, the entire society and the overall well-being of the people.

事实证明，“动态清零”做法符合中国国情，符合科学规律，路子是对的，效果是好的。尽管“动态清零”的防控措施会对部分地区的生产生活带来一些影响，但这些影响是短期的、范围是有限的，应该说，任何防控措施都会有一定的代价，但同保护人民生命安全和身体健康相比，这些代价都是值得的。这里我要特别感谢我们广大人民群众理解、支持和对防疫工作的配合。

Facts have proven that the practice of the dynamic zero-COVID approach is in line with China's national conditions and scientific laws. The approach is correct and the result is good. Although the prevention and control measures of the dynamic zero-COVID approach will have some impacts on production and life in some areas, these impacts are short-term and limited in scope. We should say, any prevention and control measures will have certain costs, but for protecting people's lives and health, these costs are worth it. Here I would like to express my special thanks to our broad masses of the people for their understanding, support, and cooperation with the pandemic prevention work.

中国的抗疫实践表明，坚持“动态清零”是我们14亿多人口大国当前务必守住的疫情防线，是对人民至上、生命至上理念最好的践行，也是对国际抗疫的最大的贡献。谢谢。

China's anti-pandemic practice shows that adhering to the dynamic zero-COVID approach is the current pandemic defense line that we as a great country with a population of more than 1.4 billion must guard. This is our best way to embody the idea of "people first" and "life first". This is also the biggest contribution to the international fight against the pandemic. Thank you.

南方都市报记者:

Southern Metropolis Daily:

请问当前全国的疫苗接种情况如何？使用不同技术路线疫苗的序贯加强免疫，与使用相同技术路线疫苗的同源加强免疫有何差异？下一步如何实施？谢谢。

What is the current progress of vaccination in China? What is the difference between sequential booster immunizations using vaccines from different technical routes and homologous booster immunizations using vaccines from the same technical route? What is the next step for implementation? Thank you.

王贺胜:

Wang Hesheng:

这个问题我们请曾益新副主任来回答一下。

We'd like Mr. Zeng Yixin to answer these questions.

国家卫生健康委副主任曾益新:

Zeng Yixin, vice minister of the National Health Commission

感谢你对疫苗接种的关心。按照党中央、国务院的决策部署，国务院联防联控机制的统一安排，全国各地正在稳妥有序地推进新冠病毒疫苗接种工作。截至昨天，3月17日，全国累计报告的接种32亿1377万剂次，接种总人数是12亿7347万，完成全程接种12亿3957万，占总人口的87.85%，完成加强免疫接种6亿4468万人。

Thank you for your interest in vaccinations. According to the decision-making and deployment of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, and the unified arrangements of the Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism of the State Council, all parts of the country are steadily and orderly advancing the vaccination of the COVID-19 vaccines. As of March 17, China has reported more than 3.21 billion doses of vaccinations and the total number of people vaccinated is more than 1.27 billion, among whom more than 1.24 billion people have completed the full course of vaccination, accounting for 87.85% of the total population, while 644.68 million people completed booster immunizations.

根据我国疫情形势、防控需要和疫苗研发使用进展，从2021年10月份开始，国务院联防联控机制启动了新冠病毒疫苗同源加强免疫工作，就是说原来全程免疫用的什么疫苗，加强针还用原来的疫苗，我们叫同源加强。近期又对新冠病毒疫苗加强免疫接种策略做了一些补充和完善，增加了序贯加强免疫。所谓的序贯加强免疫，就是加强免疫可以选择跟原来基础免疫不同的疫苗，目前批准的是，灭活疫苗基础上，可以再用腺病毒载体疫苗来加强，也可以用重组蛋白疫苗来加强。下一步，我们还会根据我国疫苗的研发进展，还可能会增加更多的选择。

According to the pandemic situation, the needs of prevention and control, and the progress of vaccine development and use in China, starting from October 2021, the Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism of the State Council launched the work for COVID-19 vaccine homologous booster immunizations. That is to say, the same vaccine used for the full course of vaccination will also be used for the booster shot. We call this the "homologous booster." Recently, we have made some additional supplements and improvements to the COVID-19 vaccine booster immunization strategy, adding sequential booster immunization. The sequential booster immunization means that the booster immunization can choose a vaccine different from the original basic immunization. What is currently approved is that on the basis of inactivated vaccines, the vaccination can be boosted with adenovirus vector vaccines, or it can be boosted with recombinant protein vaccines. Next, we will probably add more options based on the progress of vaccine research and development in China.

根据现行的政策，凡是符合加强免疫条件的人群，可以在全程接种基础免疫满6个月之后进行加强免疫，加强免疫包括同源或者序贯。对于符合条件的人群，同源或者序贯接种一种就可以了。大家也关心同源和序贯接种有什么区别，有什么不同，这个问题国内外都开展了一些相关的研究，也都发表了一些报告。这些研究表明，不管是同源加强还是序贯加强，都能够显著提升免疫保护效果，这一点是非常明确的。刚才我也讲了，国内加强免疫有6亿多剂次了，由于序贯加强免疫开展得晚一点，现在这6亿多剂次里面，主要的还是同源的。但是，从我们统计的不良反应数据来看，这两种方式不良反应没有明显的差异，所以请大家可以放心地接种。我们希望，符合加强免疫条件的人员，尤其是老年人、有基础疾病的人员，都能够主动接种，及时接种，为自身的健康增加保障，也是为全社会的防疫作出贡献。谢谢。

According to the current policy, all people who meet the requirements for booster immunizations can receive booster immunizations six months after the full course of basic immunization. The booster immunization includes homologous or sequential immunization. For eligible populations, choosing one immunization option is enough for each person, be it either homologous or sequential vaccination. You all are also concerned about the differences between homologous and sequential vaccinations. Some relevant studies have been carried out at home and abroad on this issue, and some reports have been published. These studies show that both the homologous booster and sequential booster can significantly improve the immune protective efficacy, which is very clear. I just said that more than 600 million doses of booster immunization have been completed in China. Since the sequential booster immunization was carried out a little later, of the more than 600 million doses, most are homologous. However, from the adverse reaction data we have collected, there is no significant difference in adverse reactions between the two methods, so please feel free to vaccinate. We hope that people who meet the requirements for booster immunization, especially the elderly and those with underlying diseases, can take the initiative to vaccinate and get vaccinated in a timely manner so as to increase the protection of their own health and contribute to the pandemic prevention of the whole society. Thank you.

红星新闻记者:

Red Star News:

国家卫生健康委公布第九版《新型冠状病毒肺炎诊疗方案》，对轻症病人处置、核酸检测Ct值等作出重要调整。此次修订的原因是什么？是否意味着防控政策放松？各地还有必要实行像现在这样严格的防控措施吗？

The NHC has released the ninth version of the COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment guidelines, making important adjustments in the management of people with mild COVID-19 infections and the cycle threshold value of a nucleic acid test. What are the reasons for the adjustments? Does it mean that prevention and control measures have been relaxed? Is it necessary for all localities to continue to implement strict prevention and control measures?

国家卫生健康委医政医管局局长焦雅辉:

Jiao Yahui, director general of the Bureau of Medical Administration of the National Health Commission

好，谢谢您的提问。首先，我想先明确地回答这个问题，九版诊疗方案的修订并不意味着防控政策的放松，各地现在仍然还是要慎终如始地做好新冠肺炎疫情防控工作。这一次是基于我们国家两年以来的抗疫实践，特别是在对德尔塔毒株和奥密克戎毒株临床病例的观察和研究的基础之上，我们对九版的诊疗方案作出修订。修订的主要内容包括病例的发现和报告，在病例的发现当中，我们增加了抗原检测，形成抗原检测加上核酸检测的策略。另外，关于病例的收治，我们提出分类收治的策略。再一个，关于抗病毒的治疗，以及中医药的治疗，还有解除隔离管理和出院标准，包括出院以后的管理，这些相应的内容，我们都进行了调整。这个调整应该说是落实习近平总书记的重要指示，要更加科学精准地防控，用最小的代价实现最大的防控效果。应该说，是基于这样的考虑，我们对九版的诊疗方案作出了一些修订。

Thanks for your questions. First, I would like to make it clear that revisions to China's COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment guidelines do not mean relaxed prevention and control measures. All localities should continue to carry out COVID-19 prevention and control work with caution constantly. The revisions are based on our country's anti-epidemic experience over the past two years, especially the observation and research of clinical cases infected with the Delta and Omicron variants. The main adjustments involve the detection and reporting of cases and the adding of antigen testing to form the "antigen test plus nucleic acid test" tactic. In addition, we proposed classified treatment. We have also made adjustments to antiviral treatment, TCM treatment, criteria for being released from isolation and discharged from hospitals, and management following discharge. The adjustments are made in accordance with General Secretary Xi Jinping's important instructions to make the COVID-19 response more scientific and targeted, and achieve maximum effect in prevention and control with minimum cost.

这里面关于病例的收治，想给大家作一个重点的解答。关于病例的分类收治，我们在方案中提出来，轻型病例不再收入到定点医院，轻型病例采取集中隔离管理的措施。对于普通型、重症和危重型，还有具有高风险因素的这些病例，我们把他们集中收治到定点医院当中。也就是说，除了轻型病例以外，也包括在防控方案当中提到的无症状感染者，也就是无症状感染者和轻型病例都是收治到集中隔离管理设施。这里面要澄清一点，集中隔离管理设施跟我们这些密接的，包括入境人员的隔离点，要严格区分开来。因为轻型病例和无症状感染者是核酸阳性的，像密接者一般是核酸阴性的，所以要严格把他们区分开来。

I would like to give a detailed explanation on changes to the admission of cases. In terms of classified treatment, people with mild COVID-19 infections will be placed at centralized isolation facilities rather than in designated hospitals, according to the latest version of the guidelines. Mild, severe, and critical cases, as well as cases with other high risks, will be admitted to designated hospitals. In other words, asymptomatic and mild cases will be placed in centralized isolation. Here I want to clarify that centralized isolation facilities for asymptomatic and mild cases must be strictly separated from those designated for close contacts and overseas travelers because mild and asymptomatic cases have positive nucleic acid test results, while close contracts usually have negative nucleic acid test results, so isolation facilities for them must be strictly separated.

在现在的疫情防控过程当中，有一些地方选择了专门的集中隔离设施，比如山东、吉林，他们采取了方舱医院的做法。对于轻型和无症状感染者收治在集中隔离管理设施当中，不等于说我们就放任不管。我们在九版诊疗方案里面也要求，对于收治这些病例的集中隔离管理设施当中，也要配备一定的医务人员。这些医务人员的主要职责是做什么呢？一方面要对轻型病例给予一定的对症治疗，比如有鼻塞的、有咳嗽的、发热的。另外一个很重要的任务，就是要进行病情的观察。基于我们现在的实践，95%左右是无症状感染者和轻型病例。虽然治疗和干预的措施不是特别多，但是也不等于说就不管了。所以病情的观察，就是看这里面有没有一些发生病情变化的，如果一旦发现有病情变化，有转重的趋势，也要及时地把这些病例转诊到定点医院集中进行治疗。这是关于分类救治的一个调整。

In response to the pandemic, some regions use special isolation facilities, such as Shandong province and Jilin province, where temporary treatment centers have been built. That doesn't mean that people with mild COVID-19 infections and asymptomatic cases placed in centralized isolation will go uncared. The revised guidelines require that the centralized isolation facilities where these cases are treated should also be staffed with medical personnel. What are the duties of those medical personnel? On the one hand, they should provide therapies to the mild cases, such as cases with symptoms of nasal obstruction, a cough, and fever. On the other hand, they should monitor the patients' conditions. Based on our practice, about 95 percent of patients in the latest outbreak are asymptomatic or only show mild symptoms. Although there are fewer treatment and intervention measures for them, it does not mean that we will leave them unattended. If their condition worsens, they will be timely transferred to designated hospitals for further treatment.

还有就是大家比较关注的，关于出院标准的问题，就是Ct值。我们这次在九版的诊疗方案当中提出，在Ct值两次≥35，中间间隔24小时，当然包括有一些住院的病例症状消失以后，包括肺炎的症状得到了缓解，符合这些标准的话，就可以出院，或者解除集中隔离的管理。之所以作出这样的调整，也是基于我们实践的研究。实践研究证明，在恢复期的患者，Ct值≥35的时候，样本中是分离不出活病毒的，这意味着这样一些患者已经不具有传染性了。所以，像这样的患者，就可以出院，可以回家。之所以作出这样的调整，也是为了让我们的医疗资源能够更加充分地提高医疗资源的利用效率。一方面，我们能够把这些真正需要住院治疗的病例集中收治到医院里面来，保证医疗救治的效果。另一方面，也让我们有更加充足的医疗资源为广大人民群众提供正常的医疗保障和医疗服务。作出这个调整，也可以说是更加全面地落实和体现了我们人民至上和生命至上的原则。

The other thing that people are concerned about is the CT (cycle threshold) value — part of the discharge criteria. In the ninth version of the diagnosis and treatment plan, we proposed that patients can be discharged from hospitals or centralized isolation when their two consecutive CT values are both 35 or above with at least 24 hours between the two tests and that the COVID-19 symptoms relieved, with some hospitalization-required symptoms gone. The adjustment is also based on our practical research. Research showed that the live virus cannot be isolated from samples of convalescent patients whose CT value is 35 and above, meaning that these patients are no longer infectious. Therefore, such patients can be discharged from hospitals and return home. These adjustments have been made to improve the utilization efficiency of medical resources. For one thing, we can concentrate in-need cases in hospitals to ensure effective medical treatment. For another, it also leaves us more medical resources to provide normal medical services for the public. The adjustment has fully embodied implementing the principle of putting the people and their lives first.  

出院以后的管理，我们从过去的14天隔离管理调整为7天居家健康监测。所以，我们九版的诊疗方案的调整，并不意味着防控政策放松，而是更加科学、更加精准、更加有针对性。谢谢。

As for post-discharge management, we changed the previous 14-day isolation into seven-day health monitoring at home. Thus, the adjustments made to the latest diagnosis and treatment plan does not mean the pandemic prevention and control policies have been relaxed. Instead, they are more scientific, precise, and targeted. Thank you.

彭博新闻社记者:

Bloomberg News:

在中国采取的“动态清零”政策下，经济由于工厂的关闭和群众长时间地居家受到很大影响。第一个问题是政府如何减少这些影响？第二个问题是中国在下一步是否会引入更多的外国研发的疫苗和药物？谢谢。

I have two questions. One of the biggest impacts the dynamic zero-COVID policy has on the economy is that factories have to shut down and people have to quarantine for long periods. What can the government do to reduce that impact? Do you have any plans to introduce foreign vaccines or other foreign medicines to aid with the treatment of coronavirus? Thank you.

王贺胜:

Wang Hesheng:

我来回答一下，首先谢谢这位记者的关注。新冠肺炎疫情发生以来，国家卫生健康委、国家疾控局坚决贯彻落实党中央、国务院的决策部署，积极指导各地加强科学防控、精准施策，坚持“外防输入、内防反弹”的总策略和“动态清零”的总方针不动摇。随着对新冠病毒认识的不断深入，根据疫情形势的变化和防控工作的实际需要，防控的政策措施也在不断调整和完善，不断地提高疫情防控工作的科学性和精准性。

I'll answer these questions. First, thanks for your attention. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the NHC and the National Administration of Disease Prevention and Control have resolutely implemented the decisions and arrangements made by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, actively guided the localities to strengthen scientific prevention and control to take targeted measures, and firmly adhered to the overall strategy of preventing case imports and domestic resurgence as well as the general dynamic zero-COVID policy. With our continuously deepening understanding of how the novel coronavirus behaves, our anti-pandemic policies and measures have been consistently adjusted and improved in accordance with the changing epidemic situation and actual needs of the prevention and control work so as to make the work more scientific and accurate.  

在疫情防控工作进入全链条精准防控的“动态清零”阶段后，我们立足抓早抓小抓基础，提升疫情防控和早发现的能力，主要从以下几方面开展工作：

Since the anti-epidemic work entered the dynamic zero-COVID stage of targeted prevention and control across the whole chain, we have focused on early detection of sporadic cases to enhance the capacity of epidemic prevention and control and early spotting. Our work is mainly carried out in the following aspects:  

一是突出防，在外防输入上上水平。我们印发了《关于加强口岸城市新冠肺炎疫情防控工作的通知》，从完善口岸城市疫情防控机制、健全疫情监测预警体系、加强陆海边境管控、落实高风险岗位人员个人防护和闭环管理、加强冷链各环节防控、规范开展口岸高风险物品和环境的监测消毒处置、提升疫情防控和处置能力、做好民生保障等多个方面来提出明确要求，进一步理顺机制、分清责任。

First is to highlight prevention and improve the ability to prevent case import. We issued the Notice on Strengthening COVID-19 Prevention and Control in Port Cities and put forward clear requirements from multiple aspects to further rationalize mechanisms and clarify responsibilities. The aspects include improving the pandemic prevention and control mechanism in port cities; ameliorating the epidemic monitoring and early warning system; strengthening land and maritime border control; ensuring personal protection and closed-loop management of personnel in high-risk positions; enhancing prevention and control of each link of the cold chain; standardizing the monitoring, disinfection, and disposal of high-risk articles and environment at ports; increasing the capability of epidemic prevention, control, and handling; and securing people's livelihood.

二是突出早，在早发现上上水平。进一步加固“应检尽检”防线，落实好入境口岸通道、集中隔离场所、定点医疗机构等这些重点人员加密核酸检测的频次和健康监测的要求，充分发挥发热门诊哨点作用，落实首诊负责制，规范个体诊所、基层医疗机构等发热患者的接诊处置流程。建立药店、教育机构、基层医疗机构等多渠道的疫情多点触发机制。

Second is to emphasize early detection. We have further ensured that all those in need are tested, and made efforts to increase the frequency of nucleic acid tests and health monitoring of personnel working in port-of-entry areas, centralized isolation sites, designated medical institutions, and other key areas. We have fully leveraged the sentinel role of fever clinics, implemented the first consultation responsibility system, and regulated the reception and treatment procedures for patients with fever in individual clinics and community-level medical institutions. We have set up multi-channel and multi-spot trigger mechanisms in pharmacies, educational institutions, and community-level medical institutions, among others.

三是突出实，在疫情处置的准备上上水平。要求各地提前建立并保持平急一体化的突发疫情应急指挥机制，实行扁平化管理。在国家层面上，我们组建了16支国家流调专家队，对口包干全国8个片区。要求各地建立卫生健康、疾控、公安、工信等多部门组成、数量充足的流行病学调查队伍，开展实战化演练培训，切实提升疫情流调的处置能力。我们还要求各地切实提升核酸检测队伍储备能力，统筹调配资源，确保在规定的时间内完成全员的核酸检测任务。

Third is to underline real results and upgrade the preparedness for dealing with the pandemic. All localities have been required to establish and maintain an emergency response command mechanism during both normal and emergency periods and apply the horizontal management model. At the national level, we have set up 16 national expert teams of epidemiological investigation responsible for eight regions nationwide. All localities have been required to set up sufficient epidemiological investigation teams composed of various departments of health, disease control, public security, and industry and information technology, and carry out exercises and training to effectively improve the epidemiological investigation capacity. We have also demanded that local governments effectively enhance the reserve capacity of nucleic acid test teams and coordinate and allocate resources to ensure that the nucleic acid test tasks are fully completed within a specified time.  

四是突出快，在疫情早期处置上上水平。把握住发现疫情后的“黄金24小时”的重要窗口期，按照“逢阳必报、逢阳即报、接报即查、先管后筛”的原则，在组织初筛阳性标本复核的同时，同步启动流调、核酸检测、隔离点安排、社区管控等应急处置准备，确保指挥体系建设、核酸检测、隔离、医疗救治、新闻发布等工作都能够同步推进。

Fourth is to accentuate speed and boost early handling of the pandemic. In the "golden 24 hours" after the detection of positive cases, while the positive samples in the preliminary screening are retested, emergency preparedness including epidemiological investigation, nucleic acid test, quarantine site arrangement, and community management and control will be simultaneously activated in accordance with the principle of reporting any positive case immediately, conducting investigation immediately after receiving the report, and controlling first before screening. We have ensured that multiple tasks of command system construction, nucleic acid test, isolation, medical treatment, and press release can be carried out in parallel.  

五是突出严，在定点医院设置管理和在院感防控上上水平。加强发热门诊的设置管理，硬件设施要符合呼吸道传染病的防控要求。接诊入境、国内中高风险地区以及集中隔离点发热患者等高风险人群的发热门诊工作人员，严格闭环管理。加强定点医院的设置管理，加强院内感染防控人员配备和培训，加强对医护人员进入隔离病区前的筛查，切实抓好院内的感染防控措施落实。

Fifth is to underscore "strictness" by intensifying installation and management over designated hospitals. We have strengthened prevention and control over hospital infections, and reinforced installation and management over fever clinics, making sure that all hardware facilities meet the requirements for the prevention and control of respiratory infectious diseases. We have strictly implemented closed-loop management over the staff working at those fever clinics which receive high-risk groups, including fever patients from overseas and from medium-high risk areas and centralized quarantine locations in China. We have strengthened installation and management over designated hospitals, reinforced equipment and training over the prevention and control personnel against hospital infections, intensified screenings of medical workers before entering isolation wards, and earnestly put every prevention and control measure against hospital infections in place.

下一步，国家卫生健康委、国家疾控局将会同有关部门组织开展经常性的培训和演练，提高应急处置水平和多部门协同的实战能力，强化重点环节的风险监测与排查。在确保各项防控措施落细、落实的同时，防止个别地方在政策执行中出现走样变形、“一刀切”“层层加码”等问题，为保障人民群众的健康、促进经济社会发展，营造良好的环境。

Next, the NHC and the National Administration of Disease Control and Prevention will jointly work with other relevant departments to conduct training and drills on a regular basis to improve practical emergency response abilities and multi-department collaboration abilities, and intensify risk monitoring and screening at key links. We have to prevent misinterpretation of policies, one-size-fits-all solutions, excessive implementation of policies, and other problems at local level while ensuring the full implementation of all measures, in a bid to create a sound environment to ensure people's wellbeing and promote economic and social development.

至于这位记者刚才问到的问题，是不是会引进更多的外国研发的疫苗和药物，我想你可以向有关部门进行咨询。谢谢。

Regarding the question raised by this journalist on whether more foreign-developed vaccines and medicines will be introduced, I suggest you consult relevant departments. Thank you.

中国日报记者:

China Daily:

刚才焦局长也提到了九版诊疗方案里面把“出院后继续进行14天的隔离管理和健康状况监测”改成了“解除隔离管理或出院后继续进行7天的居家健康监测”，请问为什么要做这样的修改，修改的依据是什么？

As Ms. Jiao mentioned, according to the ninth edition of China's COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment guidelines, recovered patients only need to monitor their condition at home for seven days after being discharged from quarantine locations or hospital, instead of conducting health monitoring and 14-day quarantine after being discharged from hospital. Could you please tell us the reasons for those modifications?

焦雅辉:

Jiao Yahui:

谢谢您的提问。刚才也提到了，有关研究证实，在恢复期患者的Ct值≥35以后，样本内分离不出活病毒，所以作出这样一个调整，首先是它不具有传染性了，就是在Ct值≥35以后已经不具有传染性了。另外，基于我们国内对于复阳患者的研究，流调的资料显示，复阳的这些患者也没有再造成疫情的传播和传染。所以，我们对于这些患者在Ct值达到35以后，可以让他们出院了，这是基于第一点的考虑。

Thank you for your question. As we mentioned before, relevant studies have shown that the live virus can not be separated from samples if a patient's cycle threshold value is greater than or equal to 35. Given that, we have made such a modification. First, it is no longer contagious when the cycle threshold value is greater than or equal to 35. On the other hand, given on our study on reconfirmed positive cases in China, the epidemiological survey has demonstrated that those cases had not caused any transmissions or infections. Therefore, patients can be discharged from hospital when their cycle threshold values reach 35.

第二点考虑，就是对于这样一些患者，原先我们是基于更多的经验，14天是要进行隔离管理，或者说要收治到康复医院。现在证实他没有传染性以后，可以把隔离管理改变成居家，居家进行健康监测。再一个调整，从14天缩短到7天，我们也对之前所有这些德尔塔毒株的恢复期患者，也包括奥密克戎的恢复期患者在康复医院的观察情况来看，基本上在7天之内整个身体机能都恢复到正常状态，所以我们把14天的时间缩短到7天，也是基于我们观察到的情况和实证病例研究和分析，我们把时间进行了缩短，把隔离管理的要求调整为居家。但是这里面强调，即便是居家，也要严格做好健康监测。谢谢。

Second, the previous requirement that patients should spend 14 days in centralized quarantine or go to rehabilitation hospitals was based on our general experience. Now that we have proved it's non-infectious, it's reasonable to adopt at-home isolation and monitoring rather than centralized quarantine. Another adjustment is the change from 14 days to seven days. According to hospitals' observation on recovered patients infected with the Delta variant as well as those infected with the Omicron variant, their body functions can recover within seven days basically; thus, the time has been shortened from 14 days to seven days. Given our observations, research, and analysis of clinically diagnosed cases, we cut the time and adopted at-home isolation instead of centralized quarantine. Notably, in spite of staying at home, the patients still have to strictly implement health monitoring. Thank you.

纽约时报记者:

New York Times:

大家都知道，老年人在疫情面前是非常脆弱的，我们也从其他地方看到，为老年人接种疫苗非常重要。因此我想问，中国在80岁及以上的人群中，有多少人接种过一针、两针或第三针疫苗？以及中国将采取什么样的措施鼓励老年人接种疫苗？谢谢。

Other countries and territories have found the elderly are the most vulnerable, and the only reliable way to protect them is through vaccination. What percentage of people in China who are 80 or older have had one vaccine, or have had two vaccines, or have had three vaccines for the coronavirus? And what are you doing to encourage these elderly people to be vaccinated fully if they have not already received two or three vaccines? Thank you.

曾益新:

Zeng Yixin:

这个问题非常关键、非常重要。国务院联防联控机制一直高度重视老年人的疫苗接种，多次对老年人接种进行了部署安排，各个地方也在积极组织协调，采取多种措施，来提高老年人的接种率。截至3月17日，你刚才说是关注80岁以上的，我把60岁以上的都一起介绍一下。60-69岁，接种一剂次的比例是88.8%，完成全程基础免疫的比例是86.6%，完成加强免疫的比例是56.4%。70-79岁，这三个数字分别是86.1%、81.7%和48.4%。您关心的80岁以上的，这三个数字分别是58.8%、50.7%和19.7%。所以总的来看，60岁以上有2.64亿人口，其中有2亿1176万老年人完成了全程接种，这也意味着还有5200万60岁以上的老年人没有完成全程接种，其中占的比例最大的是80岁以上的，刚才谈到80岁以上完成全程接种才50.7%，完成加强免疫的才19.7%，这个比例还是比较低的。而对于老年人来讲，全程接种、加强免疫接种对于老年人特别是对于高龄老年人是非常有意义、非常有价值的，所以我们还要继续加大力度来推进这项工作。

It's a problem of great importance. The Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism of the State Council has always attached great significance to promoting vaccination among the elderly population in China by repeatedly making arrangements and plans. Additionally, the local departments have actively taken multiple measures to boost the vaccination rate among the elderly. You only mentioned people older than 80; I will introduce the general vaccination situation of people who are 60 or older. As of March 17, for people aged 60 to 69, the first dose rate, the full vaccination rate, and the booster vaccination rate hit 88.8%, 86.6%, and 56.4%, respectively. Among people aged 70 to 79, the numbers are 86.1%, 81.7%, and 48.4%, respectively. As for the group who are 80 or older, which you are mostly concerned, those three figures are 58.8%, 50.7%, and 19.7%, respectively. Generally speaking, of the 264 million people aged 60 or older, 211.76 million have been fully vaccinated, which means there are still 52 million people who have not received full vaccination. Among those, those aged 80 or older account for the largest proportion as their full vaccination rate and booster vaccination rate are a mere 50.7% and 19.7%, respectively. Both are relatively low percentages. As for the elderly, full vaccination and booster vaccination are of great importance, especially for people aged 80 or older. Therefore, we will step up efforts to vigorously promote vaccination among the elderly.

老年人本身的免疫功能就相对于年轻人要弱一些，而且大多有各种基础疾病，一旦感染新冠病毒，发生重症和死亡的风险远远高于年轻人。大家都知道，去年以来我们境内发生了多起聚集性疫情，但是重症的人很少，特别是奥密克戎变异株引起的疫情，重症的比例更是少。但是在去年8月份扬州为主的疫情里面，是以德尔塔引起的疫情，而且这次是老年人占比很高，所以重症比例比较多。扬州这次疫情总共有1388例感染者，其中60岁以上的老人里面出现了67例重症，因为老年人多，所以重症的出现率也比较高。这1388例里面，全程接种疫苗的占比是38%，67例重症中，65例是没有接种或者没有完成全程接种的。近期的香港疫情，大家也看到报道，接种疫苗者的病亡率是0.04%，没有接种或者没有全程接种的，病亡率是1.25%，这个比例是相差很大的，几十倍的差距。并且香港这次疫情中，病亡者中90%都是老年人。

The immune system of the seniors is weaker than that of the young, and most of them have various underlying medical conditions. Once infected with the coronavirus, the risk of severe illness and death is much higher than that of the young. As we all know, there have been many clusters in China since last year, but very few of the infected became seriously ill. In particular, in the cases caused by the Omicron variant, the proportion of severe cases is even fewer. However, in the Yangzhou cluster outbreak that was caused by the Delta variant in August last year, the elderly cases accounted for a high proportion and thus more severe cases were found. There was a total of 1,388 cases in Yangzhou, of which 67 severe cases were among the elderly over 60 years old. Because there are many elderly people, the incidence of severe cases is also relatively high. Among the 1,388 cases, the proportion of people who had a complete course of vaccines was 38%. Among the 67 severe cases, 65 cases were not vaccinated or did not complete the full course of vaccination. In the recent Hong Kong outbreak, it is reported that the mortality rate of vaccinated people is 0.04%, and the mortality rate of those who have not been vaccinated or not fully vaccinated is 1.25%, which is a dramatic difference of dozens of times. Also, in the Hong Kong outbreak, 90% of those who died were elderly people.

从这两个例子可以看出两个问题，第一个问题，疫苗接种对于预防重症、预防死亡是有很好的保护作用。我们知道，在扬州，肯定接种的是大陆生产的疫苗，在香港主要是mRNA疫苗和灭活疫苗，占比大约是60%和40%。第二个问题，我们的老年人和有基础疾病的人群，是最需要保护的，也是最需要接种疫苗的。我想从这两个例子可以得出这样两个结论。

From these two examples, two conclusions can be drawn. The first is that vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe illness and death. In Yangzhou, the vaccines used were mainly produced on the mainland. In Hong Kong, mRNA vaccines and inactivated vaccines were mainly used, accounting for about 60% and 40%, respectively. The second is that, the elderly and people with underlying diseases are the most in need of protection and vaccination. I think two conclusions can be drawn from these two examples.

所以，为了进一步提高老年人的接种率，下一步，一是要做好宣传动员工作，这个宣传动员包括两个方面，一个是从理念上，我们既要强调自愿接种的原则，同时也要强调责任意识。我们经常讲，每个人是自己健康的第一责任人，在疫情大流行的背景下，接种疫苗就不光是保护自己，也是保护家人，更是为社会做贡献。其次，我们还要积极回应老年人所关心关切的问题，为什么老年人有这么多顾虑，有这么多关切？为什么积极性不高？要把这些问题搞清楚，把原因搞清楚，对他们关心、关切的问题，应该予以回答。比如说，老年人关心的疫苗的安全性怎么样，有什么样的副作用，有效性指标如何？对老年人的保护效果是多少？打了疫苗会不会加重基础疾病？有很多老年人都有基础疾病，打了疫苗会不会加重？也有老年人认为，我外出活动很少，都在家里，有没有必要接种？我们把大家的关心、顾虑给消除了，大家接种的积极性才能提高起来。所以我们的有关单位和专家都要高度重视科普宣传，我们做工作要做，同时也要把这些数据进行广泛的科普宣传，要多公布数据。我们的媒体，也用老年人喜闻乐见的方式来广为传播，这样全社会共同努力，形成一个有利于提高老年人接种疫苗的良好氛围。

Therefore, in order to further increase vaccination rate among the elderly, the next step is to scale up publicity and mobilization in two aspects. For one thing, we should raise their awareness. We must not only emphasize the principle of vaccination on a voluntary basis, but also emphasize the sense of responsibility. We often say that one should hold the primary responsibility for his or her own health. In the context of the pandemic, vaccination is not only to protect oneself, but also to protect the family, and to contribute to society. For another, we must also actively respond to the concerns of the elderly. Why do the elderly have so many concerns and worries? Why do they lack the motivation to receive vaccinations? It is necessary to figure out the causes and respond to their concerns and questions. For example, how about the safety of vaccines, which is something the elderly are concerned about. What are the side effects, and how is vaccine efficacy? How about the protective effect on the elderly? Will vaccination aggravate underlying diseases? Given that many elderly people have underlying diseases, will they get worse after being vaccinated? There are also elderly people who think that they don't leave their homes frequently and so wonder if it's necessary to get vaccinated? Only when we bring clarity to their unease can we encourage them to get vaccinated. Therefore, relevant units and experts must attach great importance to informing the public about data and relevant information. The media should spread relevant information widely in a way that the elderly like to see. In these ways, the whole of society works together to form a favorable environment that is conducive to increasing the vaccination rate among the elderly.

二是要充分发挥属地和有关主管部门的作用。属地可以用网格化的方式，做好老年人接种的组织实施工作，行业主管部门在系统内也可以针对老年人等重点人群和养老院等重点场所积极开展动员，做到条块结合，来提高老年人疫苗接种率。

Second, we should give full play to the role of local relevant departments. Grid management systems can be employed to enable the elderly to get vaccinated. Relevant departments can also actively mobilize key groups such as the elderly and key places such as nursing homes so as to increase the vaccination rate among the elderly.

三是应该切实保障老年人的接种安全。接种单位应该安排熟悉老年人身体状况和疾病诊治的医务人员做好医疗保障，在老年人接种前做好健康状况评估，接种后要做好现场观察，尤其是要做好应急抢救的准备工作。因为老年人有各种基础疾病，所以我们应急救治工作一定要做好，一旦有意外情况，能够及时科学地处理。

Third, we should ensure the safety of the elderly getting vaccinated. The vaccination unit should arrange for medical staff who are familiar with the physical condition and the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the elderly to stand by to provide health care. Before an elderly person gets vaccinated, the medical staff should carry out health assessments on them. After the vaccination, the healthcare professionals should carry out surveillance of the vaccine recipients for signs of adverse events and be particularly prepared for an emergency. Because the elderly may have underlying health conditions, we must ensure prompt and proper medical treatment in case of emergencies.

四是要继续做好便民措施，为老年人接种提供便利。可以利用流动接种车等设备，设立临时接种点，减少老年人往返的路程。因为老年人有的时候行走不便，所以我们可以上门服务，多开设老年人接种绿色通道，减少等候的时间，根据老年人的需要，来做好各种场所布置，为老年人接种尽可能提供便利。通过这样一些措施，我们相信，我们在未来会很快提升老年人的疫苗接种率。谢谢。

Fourth, more convenient measures should be taken to facilitate vaccination among the elderly. Mobile vaccination vehicles and other equipment can be used to set up temporary vaccination sites to shorten their round-trip route. Housecalls can also be made for those having difficulty getting about, and more green channels can be set up to shorten the waiting time for old people. We should also make flexible arrangements at vaccination spots according to their demands. By implementing such measures, we believe that the vaccination rate among the elderly is sure to rise soon. Thank you!

封面新闻记者:

Thecover.cn:

近日联防联控机制综合组印发文件，在核酸检测基础上增加抗原检测作为补充，居民自购抗原检测产品是否需要备案？如果出现阳性结果不上报的情况，是否有相应的监管措施？谢谢。

According to a document recently released by the State Council joint epidemic prevention and control mechanism, residents can buy antigen COVID-19 test kits themselves as an additional test method to nucleic acid tests. Do the self-purchased test kits need to be put on record? If a positive test result is not reported, are there any corresponding regulatory measures?

焦雅辉:

Jiao Yahui:

谢谢您的提问。首先，居民购买自测抗原检测的产品不需要备案，一旦自测发现阳性以后，我们在抗原检测的方案里面也作出了规定，就是如果自测阳性，要及时向属地的社区来报告，社区要安排专门的车辆将其转运到具有核酸检测能力的医疗机构进一步做确认。整个处理要进行一个闭环，并且国务院联防联控机制综合组对于各地细化本地的报告、发现、闭环管理作出详细规定，对各个省也提出了相应要求，要明确各省份的细化方案。

Thank you for your questions. First of all, residents buying antigen COVID-19 test kits do not need to be put on record. As stipulated in the antigen testing plan, anyone who tests positive using the self-test kits should report the results to their community, and the community will arrange a special vehicle to transport the case to a medical institution for further nucleic acid testing for confirmation. The whole process is a closed loop. The State Council joint prevention and control mechanism has made specific regulations for all localities to make detailed arrangements for the discovery, report and closed-loop management of cases. Provinces have been required to clarify their detailed plans.

刚才您提到关于自测阳性报告是不是需要监管的问题，这里面我还是要提醒广大群众，一方面，刚才曾主任也提到了，我们每个人都是自己健康的第一责任人，既是为了自己的健康，也是为了家人的健康。同时，疫情防控也强调“四方”责任，这“四方”责任当中有一方就是强调个人的责任。所以，基于这些考虑，我们强烈呼吁自测居民一旦发现抗原阳性，一定要履行报告的责任。另外，从我们国家的法律法规来讲，在《传染病防治法》等法律法规当中也明确提出公民有履行传染病报告的责任和义务，如果因为没有履行这个责任和义务导致传染病的传播，就要承担相应的法律责任。

Just now, you mentioned whether the reporting of self-tested positive results needs supervision or not. I'd like to remind the general public: on the one hand, as Mr. Zeng has explained, everyone is the first person responsible for their own health as well as the health of their families. On the other hand, the pandemic prevention and control regulations stress responsibilities from four aspects, of which one is personal responsibility. Therefore, we call for timely reporting if a positive result is found through the use of a self-testing kit. In addition, the Law on Prevention and Treatment of Infectious Diseases and other laws and regulations also clearly stipulate that citizens have the responsibility and obligation to report a positive case, and if they violate the rules and cause the spread of infectious disease, they should shoulder the corresponding legal liability.

在我们的疫情防控实践当中，大家也看到了，有多个地方对于这些人追究了法律责任。所以，也提醒广大群众，一旦抗原检测发现阳性，一定要按要求报告。谢谢。

In our practice of epidemic prevention and control, we can see that some violators in many places have been investigated for legal liability. So, I'd like to remind the public that if they test positive, they should first report it according to the local requirements.

中国新闻社记者:

China News Service:

近期国内疫情呈现点多、面广、频发的特点，多个省份也出现了本土聚集性疫情，请问在这样的形势之下，对于普通公众做好防护，我们有哪些建议？谢谢。

Recently, China has seen frequent flare-ups of COVID-19 cases in multiple places, with a large swathe of areas affected. Locally transmitted cases and cluster infections have been reported in a number of provinces. Given the circumstances, what suggestions do you have for strengthening personal precautions? Thank you.

王贺胜:

Wang Hesheng:

谢谢这位记者的提问，这个问题我是非常愿意给您回答。我觉得，不仅仅是像您提到的，在当前疫情比较严峻的时候提醒大家做好个人防护，而是在防控的各个阶段，包括防控处于平缓阶段、普通阶段，也仍然要做好个人防护。我想提这么几条建议：

Thank you. I'm glad to take this question. In my opinion, we need to remind people to strengthen personal precautions throughout every stage of COVID-19 response, not just when the epidemic situation is severe. We need to step up self-protection both when there is no significant resurgence and amid routine epidemic prevention and control. I would like to offer a few suggestions.

第一点，我想就刚才曾主任对于老年人接种疫苗这个话题接着讲，我觉得第一位的是大家应该要积极推动疫苗的接种，做好自身防护。因为传染病经典理论就是控制传染源、切断传播途径、保护易感人群。而保护易感人群最有效的手段之一就是疫苗接种。而且我们的疫苗接种，通过疫情防控实践经验的积累，应该是取得了很好的效果。特别是老年人，这次香港的疫情给我们一个特别深刻的教训，也是一个例证，就是老年人如果接种率低，那么重症病亡率就会很高。刚才一位记者也问到这个问题，有些老年人觉得我们平时也不太出去，在老人院，不方便，就不去接种。但是别忘了，一旦感染了以后，接种和不接种疫苗，差别非常大，这次香港就是一个例证。所以，我们大家都是敬老的，努力做敬老的模范，我们一定要动员家里的老人积极接种疫苗，这些老人是最需要做好自身防护和保护的。我们国家提供了这么好的疫苗和接种的服务，各个部门都在积极配合做这项工作。我得知我们民政部门对养老院，在这方面做了大量工作，搞好养老院自身的集体防护，因为有很多的老人也明白这样的道理，也在积极地申请接种，这是需要我们疫苗接种的部门和民政部门紧密配合，可以按照要求，规范地为这些老人做好服务。我想多说几句，是我的切身体会，首先我们要很好地利用疫苗的效果，做好这样的防护。

First, I would like to continue with the issue of vaccination for senior citizens that Mr. Zeng mentioned earlier. I believe that boosting vaccination and strengthening personal precautions should be the top priority. According to classic theories of infectious disease, controlling the sources of infection, cutting off transmission routes, and protecting vulnerable groups are the top three methods of prevention and control. In this sense, vaccines are the most effective ways to protect vulnerable groups. Vaccination has seen remarkable results based on our practices, especially among senior citizens. The COVID-19 resurgence in Hong Kong is a poignant lesson for us, and the situation proves that a low vaccination rate among the elderly will lead to a high mortality rate. A question raised just now also mentioned that some senior citizens didn't get vaccinated because they thought they rarely went out, which was inconvenient in nursing homes.

Nevertheless, please remember that the vaccinated and unvaccinated will face utterly different consequences once infected, and what happened in Hong Kong is an example. Therefore, while we all treat the elderly with respect and strive to be role models in this regard, we must encourage our senior family members to get vaccinated because they most need personal precautions. China has provided extraordinary vaccines and inoculation services, and every sector is proactively working to implement the work. As far as I know, China's civil affairs departments have made plenty of effort to step up collective prevention and control in nursing homes. This is because many senior citizens also understand the importance of vaccination and are actively applying for inoculation. Therefore, departments associated with vaccines and civil affairs government bodies should work closely together and provide good services for these senior citizens following relevant requirements. All of these are my first-hand experience. We need first of all to make better use of vaccines to strengthen epidemic prevention.

第二点，要坚持良好的卫生习惯。大家经过了这些日子疫情的过程，都有体会了，居家的时候，要加强通风换气，做好清洁消毒，注意个人卫生。外出的时候，一定要戴口罩，做好个人防护，而且还要加强手卫生，保持安全距离，减少前往人员密集的场所，减少参加聚会、聚餐活动。

Second, we need to maintain good personal hygiene habits. We have gained good experience after this long epidemic. When staying at home, we need to enhance ventilation and disinfection and maintain personal hygiene. When going outdoors, we must wear face masks, strengthen personal precautions, and keep our hands clean. We also need to practice social distancing and avoid crowded places, gatherings, and group dining activities.

第三点，要配合落实防疫要求，积极配合流行病学的调查、核酸筛查等措施，特别是要配合好公共场所的防控要求。我们公共场所有很多的防控要求，千万不要自作主张，做一些小聪明的事，不愿意去扫码，不愿意按照规定办。配合防疫是很有必要的，这样不仅对大家好，对我们自己都有好处。

Third, we should do our part in implementing the requirements of COVID-19 response. We should proactively assist in the epidemiological investigation and nucleic acid tests, especially in public spaces' prevention and control requirements. There are many anti-virus requirements in public areas, and we must refrain from acting willfully, playing petty tricks, or refusing to scan health QR codes and follow relevant rules. Cooperating with anti-epidemic work is essential, and it is good to all of us.

再有，要密切关注自身的健康状况，一旦发现有发热、干咳等症状，一定要主动就医，并及时向社区报告。所以我建议，让我们大家共同行动起来，一起努力，筑起坚实的群防群控防线。谢谢。

In addition, we need to pay close attention to our health status. We must seek medical help and report to the community promptly in case of fever and dry cough. Let's work together to establish a solid society-wide defense line. Thank you.

寿小丽:

Shou Xiaoli:

谢谢三位发布人，谢谢各位记者朋友们的参与，今天国务院新闻办新闻发布会就到这里，大家再见！

Thank you to all three speakers and friends from the media. Today's press conference is at this moment concluded. Goodbye.