How-to China: How did Shenzhen beat Omicron?

Q: What was the economic cost of the city's COVID-19 control measures?

Lu: Some people still worked at their workplaces or homes. The cost of nucleic acid testing was low, since the test was one tube for 10 people.

Compared with the potential loss over a protracted period of time, the cost over such a short period was low.

Further, the value of human health is priceless.

Q: Were all infected people hospitalized? 

Lu: Whether mild, severe or asymptomatic, we transferred all to the negative pressure wards, because asymptomatic people are also infectious.

Can Shenzhen's experience be popularized?

Q: Shenzhen still carries out tests every three days, is this for everyone?

Lu: Yes, every 72 hours. We adjust due to the situation. If there is no case in a long period, then we would no longer test.

Q: How does Shenzhen manage nursing homes now?

Lu: Nursing homes are under closed management right now to minimize personnel exchanges and visits. In addition, staff conduct nucleic acid testing regularly.

Q: Do you provide door-to-door vaccination services for the elderly?

Lu: Yes, we do. That will help improve the vaccination rate.

Q: What is the vaccination rate of the elderly in Shenzhen now?

Lu: We now have administered three doses to more than 90 percent of elderly people.