China: "Risk of Rapid Increase in COVID-19 Infections from External Influx Not High"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Eunbyeol] On the 24th, Chinese health authorities stated that the risk of a sharp increase in COVID-19 infections caused by imported cases is virtually low.

Wu Zunyou, a researcher at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said at the State Council joint epidemic prevention press conference that when asked if there is a possibility of a surge in infections due to imported cases, "We currently have a three-layer defense line in place to control imported cases."

The researcher emphasized, "We screen symptomatic individuals upon entry, secondly quarantine all entrants for 14 days to prevent transmission during the incubation period, and finally, in case the first two defenses are breached, we conduct thorough treatment and testing at medical facilities."

He continued, "Currently, most imported cases are filtered out by the first and second defense lines," and stressed, "Since China has established three layers of epidemic prevention networks, there will be no spread of infection caused by imported cases."

According to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as of the 23rd, the cumulative number of imported COVID-19 cases in China is 427, including 380 Chinese nationals and 47 foreigners.

Regarding asymptomatic patients recently excluded from COVID-19 statistics, Researcher Wu explained, "Under the current Chinese epidemic prevention system, asymptomatic patients do not have the potential to spread the infection," adding, "China is thoroughly monitoring close contacts, and once symptoms appear, they can immediately receive treatment at medical institutions."

He also commented on the resumption of daily life, saying, "In low-risk areas where no new cases have occurred in the past 2 to 3 weeks, it is safe to engage in activities without wearing masks."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.