The National Health Commission (NHC) has issued a notice downgrading COVID-19 from a Class A to Class B infectious disease under China’s Prevention and Treatment of Infectious Diseases Law. This change means that COVID-19 will no longer be included in the quarantinable infectious disease management scope. According to the document, the country will no longer implement quarantine measures for infected individuals, stop tracking close contacts, or designate high-risk and low-risk areas. There will also be changes to the classification and treatment of COVID-19 cases.
Policy Changes and Implementation
Starting from January 8, China will not apply any quarantine measures for inbound persons and imported goods. Passengers entering the country will still be required to take nucleic acid tests 48 hours before departure. The NHC has also officially changed the Chinese name for COVID-19 from “novel coronavirus pneumonia” to “novel coronavirus infection.”
Future Prospects and Strategic Measures
Following the adjustment, China will continue to monitor the spread of COVID-19 and strengthen health monitoring of special groups such as the elderly. Appropriate steps will be implemented to ensure adequate medical resources and minimize the impact on economic and social development. These measures include improving the preparation of drugs and testing reagents related to the treatment of novel coronavirus infection, increasing investment in medical resource construction, conducting health surveys, providing classified and graded health services for key populations, and strengthening the prevention and control of key institutions.-Fineline Info & Tech
