China Prepares for COVID-19 Resurgence in Autumn and Winter

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Sun-mi] Chinese authorities are on high alert for the possibility of a new COVID-19 resurgence in the fall and winter. They are preparing for a worsening situation with the overlap of the COVID-19 virus and influenza.

On the 14th, China’s Global Times reported that cities heavily affected by COVID-19, such as Wuhan and Beijing, are preparing plans to respond to a COVID-19 resurgence in the fall and winter.

The Wuhan government has instructed all medical institutions to establish fever clinics and quarantine wards starting from September this year, and to prepare quarantine supplies and trained personnel sufficient for 30 days of use. The Beijing government also announced that it is preparing to respond to a new COVID-19 resurgence by the end of the year, emphasizing that the best preventive measures are strengthening personal hygiene such as wearing masks, washing hands, and maintaining social distancing.

Experts agree that preparations for the fall and winter seasons must consider the uncertain causes of COVID-19 infections, the occurrence of regional infections within China due to imported cases from overseas, and the possibility that influenza may coincide with COVID-19 as temperatures drop.

Wu Junyou, a researcher at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, expressed concern, saying, "The COVID-19 virus may continue through the winter and the situation could worsen." Wang Guangpa, a respiratory disease expert at Peking University First Hospital, also advised, "The majority of Chinese people lack immunity to COVID-19, and if influenza occurs in the fall and winter, it could make it more difficult for China to fight COVID-19. Chinese cities should strengthen epidemic surveillance capabilities and produce easy-to-use kits to diagnose COVID-19 infections."