Omicron is not scary, as about 99 percent of those infected with Omicron can fully recover within seven to 10 days, and the focus should be put on preventing severe illness caused by the virus, China's top respiratory disease expert Zhong Nanshan said at a national academic video conference of respiratory diseases held on Friday.
The second wave of Omicron outbreaks across the country spread fast, and the risk of "sequelae" caused by Omicron has been significantly reduced compared with the Delta strain, and asymptomatic carriers were basically free of COVID-19 sequelae, Zhong said.
The focus of prevention and control policies should shift to severe illness and better implementation of the newly released 10 measures by the State Council, said Zhong. He also mentioned that adequate vaccination could provide effective protection.
Next we should strengthen vaccination, Zhong said, noting xenogeneic vaccination could enhance effectiveness. The country should focus on strengthening the immunization of the elderly and vulnerable groups and strengthen vaccine protection for medical staff, as well as accelerate the development and approval of nasal spray and inhalation vaccines, Zhong noted.
As of Nov 28, 2022, China's confirmed COVID-19 cases ratio is 1/374 of the global average, or 1/1,348 of the US', and the death rate is 1/232 of the global average, according to Zhong.
In a report released in May 2021, the World Health Organization described the prevention and control strategies adopted by four different countries in the world and their effects, and listed China's as the best option, Zhong said.
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