File Photo:VCG

 
Chinese Vice Premier Sun Chunlan called for loopholes in epidemic prevention in rural areas to be plugged and ensure there is no large-scale virus resurgence in the country during the Spring Festival, requiring all departments to take on the responsibility of ensuring a good beginning for the 14th Five-Year Plan.

Sun made the remarks at a seminar held at the National Health Commission on Sunday. 

Sun emphasized continuous pressure in China in fighting against imported infections and domestic outbreak resurgences, as the epidemic is still spreading globally and the virus has undergone new mutations.

China reported zero new domestic COVID-19 cases on Sunday, and one domestic asymptomatic case, data released by the National Health Commission showed. It is the first time since December 17 last year, 53 days ago, that China has reported zero domestic cases.

The vice premier said she understands that medical and health workers have been fighting on the front line of the epidemic for more than a year and they must resolutely overcome slackness and tiredness, and be cautious in normalizing prevention and control of the epidemic. 

The key lies in prevention and control, Sun aid, adding that it is a matter of urgency to overcome the shortcomings of prevention and control in rural areas, and promptly handle sporadic cases and clusters of infections to ensure no large-scale outbreaks occur.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, seven ministries in China jointly issued an announcement on a series of activities aimed at encouraging migrant workers to stay in their working cities during the upcoming Spring Festival holiday, which starts on February 12.

She said the national health system has weathered battles against the novel coronavirus in Central China’s Hubei Province, Wuhan and multiple outbreaks across the country under the leadership of the central government, and 2021 is a crucial step for the 14th Five-Year Plan.

Global Times