The new “Ten Measures” for epidemic prevention have been released—let’s look forward to the return of a vibrant China!
Release time:
2022-12-08
On December 7, the Comprehensive Group of the State Council’s Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism issued the “Notice on Further Optimizing and Implementing COVID-19 Prevention and Control Measures,” proposing a new set of ten measures to further refine COVID-19 prevention and control efforts. As soon as the news was released, it immediately topped the trending lists on major online platforms. The enthusiastic discussion and widespread approval from public opinion reflect that the formulation and implementation of this policy precisely meet the current expectations of the people, and also set a promising start for better managing epidemic prevention and control under the new circumstances and further enhancing the convenience of people’s daily lives.
It is worth noting that just one day before the release of the new “Ten Measures” for epidemic prevention—on December 6—the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee held a meeting to analyze and study economic work for 2023. The meeting emphasized the need to better coordinate epidemic prevention and control with economic and social development, to better balance development and security, to comprehensively deepen reform and opening-up, to vigorously boost market confidence, and to organically integrate the implementation of the strategy of expanding domestic demand with the deepening of supply-side structural reform.
Economic and social development, expanding domestic demand, and supply-side structural reform—these various dimensions of economic reform have long been intertwined with epidemic prevention and control measures. In the methodological approach of coordinated planning, we are seeking the optimal solution for advancing reform and promoting development. This time, just one day after the Central Political Bureau meeting, the new epidemic prevention policies were released—this not only meets the needs of people’s livelihoods but also creates a stable and orderly external environment for this year’s and even longer-term national economic development.
By this point, three years had passed since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in December 2019. Over these three years, from the Yellow Crane Tower to the Huangpu River, from the southwestern frontier to the grasslands of northern Xinjiang, the country has effectively managed multiple waves of the epidemic at the national level and successfully weathered the impact of five global waves of the pandemic. China’s infection rate and mortality figures have remained among the lowest in the world.
Correspondingly, each of us has experienced numerous stories of joy and sorrow, separation and reunion during the pandemic. Throughout life’s ups and downs, the shadow of the pandemic is almost always present. The remarkable achievements our country has made in epidemic prevention and control would simply not have been possible without the understanding, support, cooperation, and dedication of every ordinary person involved. At the same time, each of us is also a beneficiary of these national efforts to combat the pandemic. When the lives and health of every citizen are placed at the very highest level of the national narrative, a deep sense of security and stability naturally fills the hearts of the people—and it is precisely this sense of safety and stability that gives individuals the courage and strength to face the uncertainties of the future.
Over the past three years, our country has continuously adjusted and optimized its epidemic prevention and control measures. Each adjustment has been made with utmost prudence, striving at every step to adapt to changing circumstances and evolving situations. Whether it’s the precise and scientific approach to epidemic prevention, the “four early” requirements, the repeated emphasis on the responsibilities of all parties involved, or the successive updates—including the ninth edition of the prevention and control plan, the introduction of the “Twenty Measures” for optimization, and the recently released “Ten Measures” for epidemic prevention—each step has adhered to the paramount principle of putting the people and their lives first, all aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone.
With the pandemic fluctuating unpredictably, specific policy adjustments must evolve in response to the situation. During this period, both society as a whole and each of us have been under considerable psychological pressure. Now that the “Ten Measures for Epidemic Prevention” have been released, they’ve injected greater certainty into the smooth circulation of our economy and society.
Specifically for individuals, migrant workers who have been living away from home now have the comforting hope of returning home for the Spring Festival. Students will also be back in physical classrooms, and people will once again be able to travel across provinces. Friends will gather again for meals and drinks. Each of these long-awaited yet familiar scenes of daily life holds the secret to happiness for every ordinary person—and also offers a vivid glimpse into the vibrant energy of our nation.
However, it’s important to recognize that our epidemic prevention policies are being “optimized”—not completely lifted, not relaxed, and certainly not “lying flat.” Although Omicron’s pathogenicity and virulence have significantly weakened, it still remains highly transmissible. Therefore, after the policy adjustments, it’s even more crucial for each of us to take full responsibility for our own health and fully understand that, in the face of this new epidemic situation, we must never shirk our responsibility for epidemic prevention.
As we’ve reached this stage in our pandemic response, we’ve moved from the initial anxiety and uncertainty to a more composed and confident approach—and now it seems we’re on the verge of returning to the lush, vibrant stream of everyday life. We have every reason to feel delighted about this progress, yet we must also strictly adhere to the latest防疫 requirements, staying within the boundaries and avoiding any transgressions. Only by diligently tending to our “fields of responsibility” can we quickly restore our lives to their former vibrancy and inject robust vitality into our economy and society.
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