Chinas current normalized epidemic control and prevention measures are still the most effective against the Omicron variant, said Wu Zunyou, the chief epidemiologist at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, amid the detection of Omicron in North Chinas Tianjin.

Wu gave everyone a reassurance that "No matter how the virus mutates, our normalized prevention and control strategy is very effective. We will win the epidemic defense battle, to ensure the safety of Chinese society, economy and people's lives."

The basic reproduction number (R0) for Omicron variant is 2.55, less than the average R0 of the original variant which is 2.79 and less than that of Delta variant which is 5.08, Wu said adding that we need to stick to the normalized epidemic control and prevention measures and people shouldn't worry too much about the outbreak in Tianjin.

People infected with the Omicron variant usually demonstrate mild symptoms, which makes it difficult to identify patients and easier for them to spread it, posing bigger challenges for epidemic control and prevention, Wu said in an interview with Chinese media on Sunday.

Wu said people should wear masks, remain hygienic, receive a booster shot and should see a doctor in case of fever. Parties and travelling should also be avoided. All those measures are highly important in the defense against the Omicron variant, he said.

Wu further said the government is conducting epidemic prevention measures on people from overseas and those working in the cold-chain industry. When there is an epidemic, epidemiological investigation, close contact tracing and quarantine and regional control are followed up.

"All these 11 measures mentioned above are effective for Omicron, future potential mutated variants, and all mutated variants," Wu said.

While China sticks to the current normalized epidemic prevention and control measures, Wu stressed the importance of everyone receiving a booster shot.


Global Times