source： editor：wenny
confirmed cases in xi'an since dec.9(pic from weibo shaanxi)
why numbers are still rising amid closed management
it has been four days since xi'an implemented controlled measures at 00:00 on december 23. but the number of confirmed cases is still rising, why?
"the recent increase in cases is mainly due to the large-scale nucleic acid test (nat) screening in xi'an. the multiple rounds of major nucleic acid screening that began on december 21 have identified more occult cases. one third of the cases in the current round of the outbreak were found through nucleic acid screening," answered wei xiaoli, deputy director of the xi'an cdc.
wei says that multiple rounds of nat screening is an important initiative for prevention and control, and has proven to be effective. a large number of cases may be detected in nat screening in the following days. please do not panic.
more strict management since 00:00 dec. 27
more strict management is implemented since 00:00 dec. 27. all residents are not allowed to leave their homes or gather, except to take nucleic acid test as required. residents of non-controlled areas can go out to purchase daily necessities in accordance with the original regulations after completing a new round of nucleic acid testing and getting a negative result. (the control measures will be adjusted according to the test results of latest nucleic acid testing.)
it means that we can only go outside to take test. this may be a bit inconvenient for us, but is vital for epidemic control!
why is it necessary to implement strict closed controls?
wei xiaoli, deputy director of the xi'an cdc, introduced three reasons for the current city-wide closed management.
firstly, the first round of nucleic acid testing identified new positive cases outside the closed control area. that means the virus is spreading in larger areas in communities beyond lockdown areas. and it was found that the movements of confirmed cases are complex and cover a wide range, making it difficult to trace close contacts.
secondly, the latest resurgence was caused by the delta variant, which is highly infectious, and spreads quickly with a short intergenerational spread interval. the only and fastest way to contain the spread of the virus is to avoid the flow and gathering of residents and to slow down the city.
thirdly, the covid-19 resurgence is characterized by insidious transmission. many positive cases had no obvious symptoms in the initial stage and thus allowed the virus to spread quickly without notice.
therefore, closed management is strictly necessary to find the potential source of infection as soon as possible, to carry out timely quarantine and treatment, and ensure public health.
words of expert
zhang boli, academician at the chinese academy of engineering
the epidemic prevention and control measures are upgraded again, and everyone may have corresponding questions. for the current situation in xi'an, let's see what the expert say!
the current situation in xi'an is tough. when will the turning point appear? according to academician zhang boli, it is expected that the epidemic in xi'an will be blocked by mid-january, and it is highly possible that it can be under control in late january.
zhang boli: "for the current situation in xi'an, we still have to take strict precautions, and we must also actively take screen testings, to have the confirmed cases under control and block the epidemic as soon as possible. i estimate that it will take one to one and a half cycles, that is, the epidemic can be possibly blocked by mid-january, and can be under comprehensive control maybe after january 20th, i think it is completely possible."
zhang also expressed that we have entered a very crucial period, and an turning point is about to appear, so everyone, hold on!
newly confirmed cases in shaanxi province since december 9 (data as of december 26 at 24:00)
source: shaanxi provincial bureau of statistics
key points of epidemic prevention for general public
● keep social distance, wash hands frequently, ventilate frequently, and wear masks, these are all simple and effective measures;
● keep a healthy lifestyle, don’t stay up late, drink plenty of water, keep a relatively light diet, try to cut down the fatty food, and keep the bowel movement unobstructed;
● be active and positive, no need to be panic, and stay aware of the situation.