"We don't need to be excessively anxious. Guangzhou's current prevention and control measures can handle (the Omicron virus)." Zhang Zhoubin, Deputy Director General of the Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said at the "City of Happiness" symposium at the 2021 Understanding China Conference.

(Photo: Nanfang Daily)

Preliminary studies showed the emergence of the Omicron variant, which is more infectious than the Delta variant and was listed by the World Health Organization as VOC (variant of concern) soon after.

According to Zhang, this virus has only just emerged, so it's not rigorous enough to speculate too much, and the vaccine's resistance to Omicron remains to be seen. In addition, Guangzhou's ability to deal with the epidemic also contributed to his judgment.

"Faced with the arduous prevention and control tasks, Guangzhou has delivered a satisfactory response," said Zhang.

Since the first outbreak of the epidemic in 2020, Guangzhou has responded promptly. In May this year, the city put forward precise strategies based on the characteristics of the Delta virus, adopting hierarchical and classified prevention and control measures, which effectively controlled the spread of the epidemic.

"During the 130th Canton Fair, the comprehensive health and epidemic prevention and control have given reassurance to Guangzhou's economy." Zhang indicated that there were also tens of thousands of medical workers, countless prevention and control personnel in the communit, and those who worked in high-risk sites trying their best. "Our only objective is to prevent and control the epidemic and protect a happy Guangzhou together with everyone else."

Zhang stressed that the current prevention and control strategy is still clear and firm. He suggested people follow personal protection requirements such as wearing masks, social distancing and getting vaccinated against COVID-19.

Author: Holly

Editor: Keane, Jerry