China's 'dynamic zero-COVID' does not mean 'zero infections': medical expert

(ECNS) -- "China's overall guideline for COVID-19 prevention and control is the 'dynamic zero-COVID' strategy. This strategy does not mean that China aims for 'zero infections'," said Liang Wannian, head of the COVID-19 response expert panel at China's National Health Commission, during an interview in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

"The COVID-19 virus is unique in terms of its spectrum. Compared to severe infectious diseases like SARS, people who are infected with COVID-19 can show mild or no symptoms at all and easily spread it to others unknowingly. Currently, we are unable to ensure that there will be no new local cases, but we will try to reduce new infections as much as possible," Liang said.

"The 'dynamic zero-COVID' strategy requires that we detect and identify infected cases as quickly as possible, take measures to cut off new sources of infection and protect vulnerable people," he added.