Dynamic clearing policy still imperative: China Daily editorial

The number of new novel coronavirus infections detected nationwide on Saturday was 1,656, fewer than the previous day. Yet, the number of new asymptomatic cases was 2,177, more than the previous day. It is obvious that further efforts are needed at all levels to check the spread of the virus.

Further screening is necessary to find those who are carrying the virus without being aware that they are.

But looking on the bright side, the fact that some asymptomatic cases may have defeated the virus with their own immune systems before the virus causes problems in their bodies is good news.

That explains why kits for people to test by themselves whether they are carrying the virus are on sale. This makes it possible for asymptomatic cases to quarantine themselves at home unless they show symptoms.

Among the 19,986 confirmed infections during this resurgence, there are only 35 severe cases, which suggests that hospitals at all levels will not face excessive pressure.

But despite the new developments, it is still essential that the country continues to implement its dynamic clearing policy. That requires local governments at all levels to do a good job in strictly screening specific groups of people for possible infections.

Targeted screening to mitigate the risk of community transmission, if practiced in a timely and rigorous manner, can identify those infected with the virus as soon as possible, including those who are asymptomatic. Then those who are infected can be quarantined, and the channels for the virus' transmission can be cut.

Elderly people who have a poor health condition or chronic diseases, if infected with the virus, will likely develop serious health problems and may possibly lose their lives. Effectively carrying out the dynamic clearing policy is imperative to protect the more than 18 percent of the population who are senior citizens.

What China has done in the past more than two years to cut the transmission chains of the virus immediately after clusters of infections are identified has made it workable for the policy to be continued without leading to any serious disruption of normal economic activities nationwide.

The dynamic clearing policy as a strategy for responding to the resurgence of the virus with adjustments made to the tactics in line with new developments of the situation will help the country keep the virus at bay.

But people's cooperation, by strictly following control and prevention measures, constitutes an important condition for the policy to be effective.