Doctor Zhang Wenhong dismisses concern that recovered COVID-19 patients who test positive again might transmit the infection to others, at a press conference held in Shanghai on Saturday Photo: Yang Hui/GT

After infectious disease expert Zhang Wenhong suggested that people be prepared for sporadic COVID-19 cases under new normal of the epidemic prevention, controversial voices ensued online, with some netizens showing concerns over the current prevention policies.

Under the new normal post-COVID-19, there is a high likelihood of the emergence of sporadic confirmed cases in different regions of China, Zhang posted on his Weibo handle on Wednesday, noting that everyone should be prepared for the minor resurgence and get used to it. 

The world is in the middle stage of the pandemic, while China is in the post COVID19 stage, Zhang wrote, adding that even no sporadic cases are reported currently, cases will eventually emerge after the international communication restarts. Everyone should get used to it, he wrote.

Several netizens agreed with Zhang's suggestion and pledged to follow the same. "It sounds reasonable. We can't be too sensitive and still to be cautious," one Weibo user commented. Some urged people to follow the preventive measures and exercise caution against asymptomatic cases.

But some showed concerns over the sporadic cases. "Showing no discrimination against Hubei residents, but Shanghai only checks 'green health code' and does not require nucleic acid testing certification…," one Weibo user commented, noting that both newly confirmed cases in the city had green health code when they arrived in Shanghai. "How to ensure the safety of the locals and the migrating population in Shanghai?"

Per the current policy, arrivals from Hubei in Shanghai are not required to undergo mandatory quarantine; however, they must report their health condition, timely, to their residential community. Besides, they can move freely with "green health code." Shanghai health commission told the Global Times on Monday that the city will continue to follow the policy. 

As of press time, the hashtag "Zhang Wenhong suggests everyone to be prepared for sporadic COVID-19 cases scattered around the country" has received more than 350 million views and garnered 24,000 comments on Weibo.

Zhang emphasized a robust public health system that could avert small cases evolving into a huge public health crisis. Residents should maintain a heart of awe toward the epidemic and adopt good habits such as frequent hand washing and maintaining social distance, wearing masks, Zhang wrote.

Shanghai reported two newly confirmed cases this week, both from Central China's Hubei Province. The two coronavirus patients were asymptomatic when they arrived in Shanghai and subsequently tested positive. So far, there are no confirmed reports of people contracting the infection from the aforementioned patients, but the monitoring will continue, Zhang added.