China zeroes in on coronavirus goal but pandemic divides world, experts say
- Chinese epidemiologists give their views on why the mainland approach was successful but would not work in democracies
- Communication between leadership and scientists key part of response, in country with limited public health system
China’s goal of zero Covid-19 cases was the “most efficient way” to contain the pandemic and minimise its impact on economy and society, according to Zeng Guang, a leading expert with the National Health Commission and former chief epidemiologist at the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.
Beijing, and the rest of China, had a high proportion of susceptible people, which meant the pandemic could spread quickly from a single case, he told an online forum hosted by the magazine Caijing on Sunday night.
“China entered into a new normal in March. Although there were outbreaks in Jilin and Beijing in recent months, we have controlled it well,” Zeng said. “The length of the new normal will depend on the international environment.”
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The term “new normal” referred to having the coronavirus basically under control with the country approaching zero Covid-19 patients, although sporadic outbreaks may take place from time to time, the expert said.