Taiwan accelerates covi vaccine production and imports

News (1) to (5) / Translation Report by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA 

News (1)

Taiwan vaccines accelerate. United Biomedical: Production in June and delivery in July

The local epidemic situation in Taiwan is severe, and the public pays close attention to the progress of vaccine development. The local vaccine factory United Biomedical Inc, Asia (shortened as UBI) said that it is expected to produce the covi vaccine for Taiwan after applying for an emergency use authorization (EUA) in June, and deliveries will begin in July. 

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 (covi, CCP virus) around the world, vaccines are still regarded as the ultimate solution. The Central Epidemic Command Center recently announced that 2 million doses of outsourced vaccines are expected to arrive in June. Together with domestic vaccines, the goal is to reach 10 million doses of vaccines in Taiwan by the end of August, and there will be more. 

UBI stated that its covi vaccine is independently completed by the group from technology research and development, production of the original solution to subsequent filling. United Biopharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of the group, is responsible for the production of upstream protein stock solutions, and UBI is responsible for the subsequent filling preparations. The second phase trial of the covi vaccine in UBI has completed the second dose of more than 4,000 people. It is expected that the EUA application can be sent around mid-June. 

UBI said that the first contract of 5 million doses is expected to start production in June and will be shipped in July. As for the Phase III clinical part, it is still under planning. They need to wait until the numbers of Phase II clinical trials in Taiwan come out first. The clinical real and complete solution of blindness will not be until the end of the year. As variant viruses are emerging one after another, if they go overseas for Phase 3 clinical trials in the future, they will plan experiment with a new generation of vaccines.

In response to the subsequent development of operations, UBI Pharma, which is responsible for the subsequent filling and production, plans to apply to re-login to the  market in June. 

Another high-end local vaccine manufacturer said that the current finished products and raw materials will be able to supply 5 million doses, and some vaccines are already under inspection. It is expected to apply for an emergency use authorization (EUA) in June. After the government's emergency authorization is approved, they can be used immediately , As for the subsequent delivery schedule, follow the instructions of the command centre. (Central News Agency)

Ref: news.tvbs.com.tw/life/1517458?from=Copy_content

News (2), (3)

China Airlines Cargo delivers the first batch of Moderna vaccines to Taiwan on 28 May 2021

Image : China Airlines Cargo delivering Moderna vaccine to Taiwan. (Su Zhenchang Facebook)

The epidemic centre commander Chen Shizhong announced that China Airlines Cargo has accepted the first batch of 150,000 doses of Moderna vaccine, left Luxembourg and will arrive in Taoyuan from Luxembourg this afternoon according to schedule. He also revealed that another batch of Moderna vaccine will be imported in June, and that it is expected that the next generation of Moderna vaccine will be purchased in 2022. According to statistics, the protective effect of two doses of Moderna vaccine is as high as 94%, which is higher than 81% of the AZ vaccine, but the frequency of adverse reactions is also relatively high. 

Chen Shizhong announced the good news last night that the covi vaccine purchased by Taiwan from Moderna Pharmaceuticals will arrive in Taoyuan after 3 pm on 28 May. The first batch of 150,000 doses will be distributed, and the validity will be until November. The first-line medical staff and other first-line medical personnel will be available for priority vaccination within two weeks at the earliest. 

Chen Shizhong said that in the future, he hopes to purchase regularly to speed up vaccination. It is estimated that 2 million doses of vaccine will arrive in Taiwan before the end of June. In addition to this time 150,000 doses of Moderna vaccine, there is also AZ vaccine. 

Taiwan purchased 5.05 million doses of covi vaccine from Moderna Pharmaceutical Factory. Some media asked whether Taiwan could purchase additional Moderna vaccine. Chen Shizhong believes that 30 million doses of vaccine have been purchased this year, and domestic vaccines can also be supplied again. They are "enough this year" but he revealed that it is expected to purchase a next-generation vaccine from Moderna Pharmaceuticals that specializes in variant strains in 2022.

Refs: news.tvbs.com.tw/life/1517789?from=Copy_content,  https://news.tvbs.com.tw/politics/1517821?utm_source=Webpush&utm_medium=Webpush

News (4)

Usage and side-effects of Moderna covi vaccination

According to the CDC website, the Moderna vaccine is an mRNA vaccine. It has been urgently authorized for use in the United States, the European Union and other countries. It must be stored in a freezing environment at minus 15 degrees to minus 25 degrees Celsius. If it is stored in a cold storage facility at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius, it must be used up within 30 days. 

According to the Moderna vaccine copy list and expert recommendations, the vaccine is suitable for people over 18 years of age, and the protection is as high as 94% after 2 doses of complete vaccination, which is higher than the 81% of AstraZeneca (AZ) covi vaccine. When using 2 doses of vaccination there must be an interval of 28 days.

Those who have a fever or are suffering from an acute, moderate-to-severe disease should wait until their condition is stable before vaccination, and they should not be used interchangeably with other brand vaccines. 

It is worth noting that although the protection of the Moderna vaccine is better than that of the AZ vaccine, according to the results of the Phase III clinical trial, the frequency of adverse events after vaccination with the Moderna vaccine is also higher than that of the AZ vaccine. As much as 92% after vaccination, there were pain at the injection site, 70% fatigue, 64.7% headache, 61.5% muscle pain, 46.4% arthralgia, 45.4% chills, and 15.5% fever. In addition, common side effects after vaccination with Moderna vaccine include erythema, urticaria, and redness at the vaccination site. There may be a small number of itching at the vaccination site. 

In rare cases, symptoms such as facial paralysis and swelling may occur. 

News (5)

President Tsai thanked Chen Shizhong for taking the lead in the fight against the epidemic

President Tsai Ing-wen said that the first batch of 150,000 doses of Moderna vaccine arrived in Taiwan today. This is the good news that Taiwan needs now.  

The president said via Facebook that she often talked with Chen Shizhong on the phone during this period and also met frequently. In each discussion, in addition to focusing on how to prepare medical resources and how to assist local governments in epidemic prevention, the progress of vaccines has always been one of the important themes. 

The Taiwan government continues to work hard to advance, but in order to get everything on track, these must be done with low-key and cautiousness. President Tsai said that everyone has seen that the first batch of 150,000 doses of Moderna vaccine has been on the plane and is expected to arrive this afternoon. This is the good news that Taiwan needs now. The President stated that there were many people who participated in the process with low-key participation and contributions. She could not list them all. However, she would like to thank Chen Shizhong again for the hard work of his colleagues in the command center for more than a year. No matter how great the challenge, Chen Shizhong is always the same. I carried it on my shoulders without complaining, let alone flinching. 

President Tsai also said that in addition to the epidemic prevention business of the command centre, she is now fully assisting and cooperating with Taiwan's epidemic prevention in international diplomacy, national defense preparedness, and national security. She also personally supervises the army to ensure that all support is safe. 

The President stated that epidemic prevention is a long-term war, and every Taiwanese is insisting on it. She said, "As long as we unite to prevent the epidemic, regardless of party affiliation, we can definitely win this battle." This is for Taiwan, but also for everyone's family and each other. "Come on, Minister Azhong, come on Taiwan."

Ref: news.tvbs.com.tw/life/1517789?from=Copy_content

News (6)

Japanese media: Japan intends to support Taiwan's AZ vaccine to be available in June as soon as possible

The Japanese government learned that the covid epidemic in Taiwan has expanded and vaccine acquisition has become a problem. Therefore, it is considering supplying the vaccine (ie AZ vaccine) made by the British pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca to Taiwan. As an emergency measure, it can be provided in June as soon as possible. According to a report by the Sankei Shimbun, the Japanese government and relevant persons of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party revealed on the 27th that the Japanese government is considering providing AZ vaccine to Taiwan.

Japan has ensured that vaccines made by other pharmaceutical companies are administered to the people, and it is determined that the supply of some AZ vaccines originally intended for domestic use to Taiwan will not affect Taiwan. The plan under consideration within the Japanese government is to supply vaccines to Taiwan through the "Covid-19 Global Access Mechanism for Vaccines" (COVAX).

After asking the Taiwanese government how many vaccines it needs and the period of time for vaccines to be provided, a detailed supply plan will be worked out. 

According to the report, President Tsai Ing-wen said on 26 May that the purchase of vaccines from some overseas pharmaceutical companies has not yet been able to sign contracts due to CCP China's intervention. As the epidemic in Taiwan spreads, it is blocked by CCP, and it is difficult to obtain the vaccine needed by the 23 million people as soon as possible. 

The Japanese government has signed a contract with the U.S. pharmaceutical company Pfizer to purchase 194 million doses (97 million doses) of vaccine within this year, and has signed a contract with the U.S. pharmaceutical company Moderna to purchase 50 million doses (2500) by the end of September. 10,000 copies) vaccine. There are about 240 million doses (approximately 120 million doses) of vaccines purchased from these two pharmaceutical companies alone, and the number of vaccines to be given to people over 16 years old is almost guaranteed. 

Regarding the AZ vaccine, the Japanese government signed a contract with AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals to purchase 120 million doses (60 million doses) this year. 

However, because of overseas reports showing that a few cases of thrombosis after vaccination, the Japanese government's AZ vaccine is currently excluded from the official arrangements for administering the vaccine. If the use cannot be determined in the future, the storage period may expire.

According to the report, the Japanese government considers that Taiwan and Japan will help each other whenever large-scale disasters occur. This time, as an emergency measure, it considers it necessary to support Taiwan. Taiwan and Japan have a long history of mutual support. 

In the 2011 311 earthquake, Taiwan donated more than 20 billion yen (approximately NT$5.2 billion) to Japan. In April 2020, when the epidemic spread and mask shortages appeared in Japan, Taiwan donated 2 million medical masks to Japan. In addition, when the Tainan earthquake occurred in 2016, the Japanese government announced a donation of US$1 million. When the Hualien earthquake occurred in 2018, Japan sent rescue teams to the disaster area to assist in disaster relief. (Central News Agency)

Ref: news.tvbs.com.tw/world/1517792?from=Copy_content

News (7)

Sequence of administering 410,000 doses of AZ vaccine launched for 9 major ethnic groups

Editor : Cai Minggen / Extract translation, editing : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA

The 410,000 doses of AZ vaccines that have arrived will be delivered to counties and cities in two phases. It is expected to open today (28 May). Chen Zongyan, Deputy Commander of the Central Epidemic Command Centre pointed out that 150,000 doses were allocated in the first phase and 260,000 doses in the second phase.

The Department of Disease Control previously announced the "Priority Order of Vaccination Targets for COVID-19", which lists the priority targets and explanations for the reasons. There are 9 major ethnic groups: 

1. Medical staff: maintain medical care Measure energy. 

2. Central and local government epidemic prevention personnel (including airport CIQS personnel): Important central and local government officials who maintain the operation of the epidemic prevention system; the first-line epidemic prevention personnel who may come into contact with the case and the village chief who assists in home quarantine or provides food delivery; CIQS personnel in close face-to-face contact with infected persons entering the country. 

3. Personnel necessary to maintain the operation of society: Police and military police to maintain public order and other social functions.

4. Long-term care recipients, caregivers and staff, resident servants, and social workers in long-term care institutions such as nursing, maintenance, day care, and social welfare: Personnel who maintain the operation of the institution and the social welfare care system. 

5. Military personnel: personnel who maintain national security and normal operations. 

6. Elderly persons over 65 years of age: after infection, they are prone to serious complications or death. 

7. Those aged 19 to 64 who have a high-risk disease that can easily lead to serious diseases: They are prone to serious complications or death after infection. 

8. Rare diseases and major injuries: Special diseases that may increase the serious risk of infection and disease. 

9. Adults between 50 and 60 years old: Severe complications or death are likely to occur after infection. 

Image : The central government has successively distributed AZ vaccines to counties and cities. (Photo/Provided by Yadong Hospital) 

In response to this wave of vaccine distribution, Chen Zongyan explained that in the first phase, a total of 150,000 doses will be allocated on 27 May. 

Among high-risk workers, those who have never been vaccinated are the priority targets. As for counties and cities outside of Shuangbei, priority is given to medical staff who have never been vaccinated, medical staff and those who need to go abroad for the second dose for official business. 

Chen Zongyan said that there are 260,000 doses in the second phase, and the target will be adjusted from 10 June. Among medical personnel, epidemic prevention personnel and high-risk workers across the country, those who have not been vaccinated will be given priority.

Follow-up will see the next batch of vaccines arriving. The progress, vaccination situation and epidemic situation will be reviewed and adjusted on a rolling basis, and the fourth to the eighth categories will be opened to those who have not been vaccinated.

Ref: news.tvbs.com.tw/life/1517834?from=Copy_content

News (8) to (11) / Reporter : Chen Yuren / Translation, editing : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA

News (8)

"Ke Wenzhe Vaccine Road" refused to buy Shanghai Fosun, Medical professional shows strongman style

In the face of the local covid epidemic, Taipei is the first to bear the brunt. The number of confirmed diagnoses exceeds 100 every day, and the amount of medical care can face collapse, forcing Taipei Mayor Ke Wenzhe to ask when the central vaccine will come every day. 

A person familiar with the matter disclosed that after the outbreak of the Lions gathering case, Ke Wenzhe believed that the epidemic would explode. In the face of the vaccine promised by the central government, he did not know when it would arrive. Someone once offered to buy the BNT vaccine of "Shanghai Fosun" but was rejected. Ke can only rely on medical professionals to support the epidemic prevention. 

During internal meetings, Ke said, "Unless the central government feels that my order is wrong, otherwise follow my policy." "In an emergency, my hospital can only follow my instructions", showing his strongman style. 

News (9)

Based on the Lions infection case Ke estimated the outbreak

According to people familiar with the matter, Ke Wenzhe knew that the epidemic would be very miserable from the beginning of the Lions swarm infection case. After the outbreak of the epidemic in Wanhua, he immediately opened the quick screening station. 

Commander Chen Shizhong and When Zhang Shangchun, the convener of the expert advisory group, had a meeting with the Beishi government, Ke also told him to use a quick screen to catch the hot spots first, and the command center had no objection. 

As the number of people diagnosed in Wanhua continues to rise, the person said that Ke Wenzhe knew that Wanhua wanted general screening to be the ultimate solution, but there was no such measure, let alone the citywide general screening. So he could only take quick screening and test positive. The citizens found out and pointed out the hot spots. The medical supply in New Taipei could be on the verge of collapse. (Photo/TVBS data screen) 

News (10)

Others offer suggestions to link "Shanghai Fosun", Ke is unmoved

 According to the insider, in the face of the escalating epidemic situation in Beijing, some people have recently come to spread the word that they can help link "Shanghai Fosun" and help Taipei obtain vaccines but Ke Wenzhe is a person who firmly believes in SOPs.

Therefore, according to the chain of command, Ke follows the instructions of the Central Epidemic Command Centre. The government says that the central government will purchase vaccines. Taipei will follow. No matter how unhappy, he will still follow the guidelines of the Central Epidemic Command Center. Although he asks when the vaccine will come every day, it is his worried appeal based on the medical profession. 

The procurement of vaccines is still the responsibility of the central government. Ke said, "If you say you want to buy it, I will listen to you." But Ke Wenzhe said at a press conference in Beishi a few days ago that "If New Taipei is forced to make a living, I have to make a living on my own." This has given the outside world infinite imagination. 

People near Ke said that as a medical professional, Ke must have a way to find a vaccine, but he cannot do it until the most necessary moment, so it still depends on the epidemic situation in Taipei. “If you want a vaccine, you don’t tell me when you will come. "When I was in a hurry, I had to think of a solution by myself."

It is understood that Ke evaluated that he has to be very careful about purchasing a vaccine by himself. Otherwise, like some Lanying counties and cities, they are the first to call for self-purchasing vaccines. If they are not careful, they will be smeared.

 Therefore, Ke holds the strategy that if the central government really could not buy it and delegates authority to the local government, he will look for a vaccine. 

Image : Ke Wenzhe repeatedly asked when the central vaccine would come. (Picture/TVBS) 

News (11)

Ke repeatedly asked when the vaccine would arrive

The press conference is busy opening up for the Taipei epidemic. People close to Ke said that Ke Wenzhe’s two weeks were really for the Taipei epidemic to be overturned, even if someone suggested, or Lanying’s ruling county and city took action. He did not have time to think about whether he wanted to buy a vaccine by himself. He could only set up anti-epidemic hotels and quick screening stations as soon as possible, hoping to control the epidemic, and also went to the first-line hospital for inspection. 

Everyone next to Ke could see that he was tired but every afternoon in the Taipei epidemic in response to the press conference, because it is his medical profession, he will fire on the central government and the United States when he sees that the camera's combat power is coming again. 

It is understood that because of the worry that the epidemic has not yet reached its peak, the Beijing Municipal Government will also conduct a four-level wargame this weekend. Although it is unknown whether the central government will announce it, the municipal government will first make preparations for its own responsibility. 

Ref: news.tvbs.com.tw/politics/1517778?from=Copy_content

News (12)

Increased local diagnoses! Taipei Municipal Government will conduct "Level 4 Vigilance" military push

Editor : Zheng Yurong / Direct translation

The domestic epidemic situation is severe, and the number of cases in Shuangbei is increasing. The Taipei Municipal Government has recently prepared to carry out a fourth-level alert to expand the control of military exercises, including transportation, education, industry, etc., to prepare for the epidemic spread in advance .

Ref: news.tvbs.com.tw/life/1517881?from=Copy_content

News (13)

The Taiwan Medical Association participates in WHA and discusses the medical transformation in the post-epidemic era

 Although Taiwan was not invited to WHA this year, the Taiwan Medical Association still attended the meeting as an NGO. 

Chairman Qiu Taiyuan said that in addition to discussing the countermeasures for covid, the countries in the meeting also discussed the direction of medical transformation in the post-epidemic era in response to various emerging diseases in the future. 

The 74th World Health Assembly (WHA) was held by video from 24 May to 1 June. 

 Although Taiwan was not invited to participate, the Taiwan Medical Association, which is an important member of the World Medical Association, is still a non-governmental organization (NGO). As invited, the officials of the Taiwan Medical Association and related experts all participated in the whole process through video. 

Qiu Taiyuan, chairman of the Taiwan Medical Association, told a reporter from the Central News Agency today that the Taiwan Medical Association has participated in the meeting as an NGO for many years. Although it is unable to speak, it can bring back to Taiwan the important health and epidemic prevention issues discussed in WHA from countries around the world, and let Taiwan keep up. 

As the trend of the world, in the past, international seminars will also be held at the Geneva venue to let the world see Taiwan's medical strengths. Qiu Taiyuan said that this year’s WHA declaration is "Ending the pandemic and preventing problems before they occur." All countries will jointly address the health of the entire population, respond to emergency health threats, pursue better health and well-being, and strengthen the World Health Organization (WHO) capacity to take care of countries. They will discuss all aspects. 

The pandemic has spread for more than a year. This year, countries not only discussed the response in WHA, but also discussed the "post-epidemic era" in which life is gradually getting back on track after a large number of vaccines. How to use this experience to build a better medical system to cope with emerging epidemics and diseases that may be faced in the future is the issue.

Qiu Taiyuan pointed out that Taiwan did a good job in the first half of the pandemic, but it clearly encountered challenges in the second half. Not only did the amount of medical care be on the verge of collapse, many covid patients had no ward and were stranded in the emergency department, which forced the National Taiwan University Hospital to have to look for foreign aid. Many cancer and myocardial infarction patients who receive regular treatment cannot even go to the hospital. 

Qiu Taiyuan said that Taiwan's medical system must be united and strong to survive this wave of epidemic in difficult times. After the future vaccines arrive in Taiwan, they must cooperate with primary clinics to vaccinate the population as quickly as possible to achieve herd immunity as soon as possible. 

Qiu Taiyuan pointed out that looking forward to the post-epidemic era, Taiwan must remember the experience of this epidemic prevention, establish a hierarchical and triaged medical system, and expand medical care from simply caring for people to harmonious interactions between people and the environment in an elderly society to cope with various difficulties in the future. . (Central News Agency) 

Ref: news.tvbs.com.tw/world/1517805?from=Copy_content

News (14)

Guangzhou's recent newly confirmed local cases and asymptomatic infections belong to the same infection chain

Reporters : Wang Hua, Liu Jinjin / Editor : Zhang Kaixin / http://www.chinanews.com/sh/2021/05-27/9487017.shtml / Translation, editing : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA

The Guangzhou Municipal Health Commission announced on 27 May that Guangzhou’s recent newly-added local confirmed cases of covid and asymptomatic infections belong to the same infection chain.

After a local confirmed covid case (75-year-old Guo) in Liwan District, Guangzhou on the 21st, as of 2 pm on 27 May, Guangzhou had reported a total of 4 confirmed cases and 5 asymptomatic infections. All of them are related to the confirmed case of Guo, and the spread caused by infection in relatively closed places such as co-living, co-dining, co-custody, etc. belongs to the same infection chain.

Chen Bin, deputy director of the Guangzhou Municipal Health Commission, reported that after the outbreak, Guangzhou initiated emergency response as soon as possible and adopted effective measures, including conducting epidemiological investigations, conducting investigation and control of key populations in key places, and implementing environmental monitoring to achieve viral elimination in the end.

Image : The picture shows the nucleic acid detection process of Xinghua Community, Chongkou Street, Liwan District where medical staff are testing nucleic acid for the masses at the booth. (Source: ICphoto)

Since the outbreak, as of 2 pm on 27 May, the city has screened a total of 487 close contacts and brought 482 people under the control of the city. A total of 1,703 people have been screened close contacts and 1,687 people have been under control. A total of 546,000 nucleic acid tests have been conducted in the city. Nucleic acid tests have been launched for all employees in all key places in Liwan District and other districts at night of 26 May. At the same time, relevant departments collected environmental specimens from patients, and carried out two terminal killings on relevant key places.

Zhang Zhoubin, deputy director of the Guangzhou CDC, pointed out that the spread of the epidemic has two characteristics: There is a clear chain of transmission between infected persons, the spread of the virus is fast and the transmission power is strong. "Now the virus can be short-lived by eating a meal. Indirect contact transmission". He gave three suggestions for epidemic prevention: Strengthen personal protection and personal health monitoring, and covi vaccination.

It is understood that as of 12 pm on 27 May, Guangzhou has opened 428 vaccination sites and about 2,000 standard vaccination units, forming a full coverage vaccination network that combines point-to-surface, fixed and mobile complementary, and the city has received 8.67 million vaccinations. 11.48 million doses, the target population vaccination rate is 64%, of which 2.99 million have completed the entire vaccination. 

News (9) to (22) / Reporters :  Li Yunshu, Guan Xiaopu / Editor : Zhang Yanling / http://www.chinanews.com/sh/2021/05-28/9487155.shtml / Translation, editing : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA

News (15)

Sporadic covid cases in Guangzhou, morning tea shops may be the transmission centre

Source: China Discipline Inspection and Supervision Report 

　　 Guangzhou sporadic cases of covi recurrence, a total of 56.723 million doses of vaccination have been reported nationwide

　　 Speed ​​up vaccination and build the Great Wall of Immunization

"On May 21, after a confirmed covid case appeared in Liwan District of Guangzhou, as of 2 pm on the 27th, Guangzhou City had reported a total of 4 confirmed cases and 5 asymptomatic infections. All of them are related to the confirmed case of Guo. The spread caused by infection in relatively closed places such as co-living, co-dining, co-custody, etc. belongs to the same chain of infection." In the afternoon of 27 May, Chen Bin, a member of the party group and deputy director of the Guangzhou Municipal Health Commission of Guangdong Province, revealed an outbreak in Guangzhou at the epidemic prevention and control press conference.

On 21 May, a new case of asymptomatic covi infection was added in Yantian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province. As of 27 May, 9 people had been infected in this round of overseas inbound-related epidemics in Shenzhen, all of whom were asymptomatic.

As of now, there are 24 medium-risk regions nationwide, distributed in the three provinces of Anhui, Liaoning and Guangdong. On 27 May, Yingkou, Liaoning Province, notified that the risk level would be adjusted in due course. If the nucleic acid test of all employees is negative, from 28 May, 11 closed controlled communities (villages) will be released from closed management in three batches.

At the same time, the number of single-day vaccination doses in CCP China has recently repeatedly set a record. In some places, the vaccination rate for people over 18 years old has exceeded 80%.

News (16)

Multiple confirmed cases in Guangzhou, two places in Liwan District are adjusted to medium-risk areas

On 21 May, at the Guangzhou epidemic prevention and control press conference, Deputy Mayor Liming introduced: On 20 May, Liwan District of Guangzhou found a suspected-positive case of covid nucleic acid during the monitoring of fever clinics in medical institutions. According to reports, the patient Guo, a 75-year-old female, lives in Jinlong Community, Longjin Street, Liwan District. In the afternoon of 20 May, Mr. Guo walked to the Liwan District Central Hospital for treatment due to illness. In the early morning of 21 May, the initial nucleic acid test was positive.

According to the current investigation information, Mr. Guo had been living in Guangzhou 14 days before the onset of illness, and his main daily activities were near her home. He had no recent history of domestic high-risk areas and overseas travel, and he had been to restaurants in Liwan District before the onset of illness. place.

The recurrence of local cases after 276 days broke the calm in Guangzhou. During the investigation of Guo's close contacts, Guo's husband Lu was also diagnosed as a confirmed covid case. The notification showed that Lu had been quarantined as a close contact person on 21 May, and the third nucleic acid test result was positive since then. The current tune shows that Lu's activity track is basically the same as Guo's.

Since then, Liwan District, Haizhu District, and Maoming City in Guangzhou have successively seen new cases of related confirmed cases. Among them, the 74-year-old confirmed patient Song in Liwan District had been drinking morning tea with Guo at the "Another Refreshment Restaurant" (Zhongshan Seventh Road Store), No. 668, Kangwang Middle Road, Liwan District.

According to a report by the Maoming Municipal Health Commission, on 25 May, Maoming City found 1 case of asymptomatic infection of covid during the follow-up management and screening of close contacts of confirmed covid cases in Guangzhou. According to reports, the above-mentioned patient Yao is a waiter at "Another Refreshment Restaurant" in Liwan District, Guangzhou. He delivered meals to Guo’s table on the morning of 19 May. During this period, he did not wear a mask and was judged to be a close contact.

In the afternoon of 26 May, the WeChat public account "Guangzhou Haizhu Release" released a message showing that during the fever clinic monitoring of medical institutions in Haizhu District, one case of local covid nucleic acid positive person Song Xming was found on the same day, which was the Liwan diagnosis reported on the same day, the niece of the case (Song XX).

In response to the impact of the epidemic, from 22 May, Jinlong Huixin Pavilion, Longjin Street, Liwan District, was adjusted from a low-risk area to a medium-risk area. From 26 May, the east section of Heyuan Community, Liwan District, was adjusted from a low-risk area to a medium-risk area. From 26 to 27 May, Liwan District, Guangzhou, carried out a nucleic acid test for all registered population and temporary residents in the district.

According to Yang Zhicong, Director of Guangzhou CDC, two characteristics of this epidemic are relatively fast transmission speed and strong transmission capacity. Large-scale nucleic acid testing was carried out in the past two days to eliminate the epidemic as soon as possible.

"We screen the population based on the characteristics of the epidemic and take action in advance. The purpose is to run to the front in the race against the virus, build a firewall and prevent the spread of the epidemic. It is not the place where the screening is done. There is an epidemic, so citizens should not panic because of it." Yang Zhicong said.

As of 8 pm on 27 May, the spread chain of the Guangzhou epidemic has been extended to 10 people.

News (17)

Morning tea shop may be the centre of current covi cycle transmission

What is the specific source of infection of this round of epidemic? According to the report of the Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia (Covid) Epidemic Prevention and Control Headquarters in Liwan District, Guangzhou in the evening of 23 May, it is preliminarily determined that Mr. Guo, in Jinlong Community, Liwan District, is a confirmed inbound covid case. The virus belongs to the new coronavirus variant strain first identified in India. Accidental exposure caused occasional infections.

According to the results of public circulation, it is found that "Another Refreshment Restaurant" in Liwan District may be the centre of the current covi cycle transmission.

News (18)

Guangzhou strengthens  epidemic prevention and control in the catering service industry

The people of Guangzhou have a tradition of having morning tea, and Guangzhou is also a place full of bars and restaurants. During the epidemic, the catering industry was greatly impacted, and as the situation of epidemic prevention and control improved, the catering industry gradually entered the right track. 

According to data released by the Guangzhou Municipal Bureau of Statistics on 25 May, from January to April 2021, the accommodation and catering industry in Guangzhou has basically returned to the pre-epidemic level. After the confirmed cases appeared, in order to avoid the outbreak of a cluster of epidemics, the Guangzhou Municipal Bureau of Commerce quickly issued a notice requiring the city’s accommodation and catering industry to receive family private gatherings and dinners to generally control less than 10 people.

"In fact, the covid epidemic has lasted until now, and the time has not been short. The masses are eager to return to normal life, which is completely understandable. We all know that Guangzhou people love to drink morning tea, and the locals are also confident and confident in the domestic epidemic prevention and control. I re-entered the morning tea shop." Jiang Qingwu, an epidemiologist and professor at the School of Public Health of Fudan University, said.

Jiang added, "Of course, the masses should understand each other with the disease control department, and actively respond to local prevention and control based on the real-time situation of the epidemic. Policy. When the epidemic situation is loose, everyone's space for activities can be appropriately relaxed. Once an epidemic occurs, the activities must be suspended."

Regarding the morning tea shop, which is regarded by the outside world as a transmission hub, Jiang Qingwu’s view is more optimistic, “In a sense, it is a good thing to clarify the location of the virus infection. The source of infection cannot be found and the path of transmission cannot be cut off immediately. The Guangzhou CDC’s timely investigation of the source of transmission, careful analysis of the relationship between cases, and clear investigation of the transmission chain are conducive to stopping the spread of the epidemic as soon as possible."

On 22 May, the Guangzhou Municipal Bureau of Commerce issued a notice requesting the competent commercial departments of all districts in Guangzhou to quickly carry out inspections and supervision in their jurisdiction based on the current situation of epidemic prevention and control, and continue to launch the inoculation of staff in supermarkets, accommodation and catering, and professional markets in the jurisdiction. 

It is required that all supermarkets, accommodation and catering companies, and professional markets in Guangzhou implement the requirements of scanning codes to measure temperature and wearing masks at the entrance, implement the "Suikang code" or other pass code pass certification management, in the easy-to-cluster area. Strictly prevent excessive gathering of people, increase alcohol disinfectants or hand sanitizers, and strengthen scientific disinfection of the environment.

"Guangzhou has not had a case for a long time. Now that the weather is hot again, everyone does relax their vigilance. Scanning codes, wearing masks when going out, etc., feels dispensable in my heart." Ms. Liu, who lives in Liwan District, told reporters after the case appeared. The number of people wearing masks around has increased significantly.

News (19)

Life on Longjin Street during the epidemic

 Guangdong college entrance examination candidates have health monitoring for 14 consecutive days

"When I woke up, my community became famous all over the world. Guangzhou, the older one, became a medium-risk area. The community continued to be closed and isolated. The community committee also promptly initiated resettlement treatment, giving us a life of feeding on time." A householder named Guangxi Xiaojing, who lives in Jinlong Huixin Pavilion on Longjin Street, broadcasted his isolation experience live on Weibo.

"On the fifth day of the quarantine, I went downstairs to do the fourth nucleic acid test at 7 in the morning. The food distributed today is a Qingyuan chicken. Everyone expressed their opinions in the group, and it really was "Eating in Guangzhou"." "Today as usual, after finishing the sixth nucleic acid test at 7:30, everything is in order and the whole process takes only 5 minutes. This efficiency is really great"..."Guangxi Xiaojing" said that the order in the medium-risk areas is orderly and the epidemic prevention and control personnel are working very hard and meticulously.

News (20)

Guangzhou residents more willing to vaccinate

Since a new confirmed case of local covid was confirmed, Guangzhou citizens have become more and more willing to receive the covi vaccination, and many vaccination points have lined up. The Guangzhou Municipal Health Commission stated that the current supply of covi vaccines in the city continues to meet the vaccination needs of the people in the near and long term.

News (21)

Guangdong college entrance examination candidates have health monitoring for 14 consecutive days

For senior high school students, it is now the time for the final sprint, and the emergence of local confirmed cases has caused many candidates to worry about it. In response to the impact of the epidemic, the Guangdong Provincial Education Examination Institute issued a notice on 22 May. Starting from 24 May, all candidates will be monitored for 14 consecutive days before the test, starting from 60 minutes before the test (larger test centers can be advanced).

The examination centre organizes candidates to enter the venue in an orderly manner along the body temperature detection channel, maintaining intervals. The notice also reminds candidates who are still out of town to understand the relevant requirements for epidemic prevention and control in the location of the test site, return in time, and manage them in accordance with localization requirements and regulations.

News (22)

Worry about safety of quarantine facility in Guangzhou

Judging from the current announcement, the covi virus infected by the confirmed case in Guangzhou was determined to be B.1.617, and the only entry person with symptomatic infection had been quarantined in an isolated hotel in the area before and was confirmed to be non-existent after returning to Nanning, Guangxi. Some citizens are worried about whether the location of the quarantine hotel is safe, and whether the quarantine points should be concentrated in the outer suburbs.

In this regard, Jiang Qingwu believes that the distance is not an absolute condition to ensure the safety of the quarantined hotel. What should really be paid attention to is whether the quarantine conditions are strict and whether the disposal of waste products is compliant. These are the links that should be watched more closely. . “As a port city, it’s not hard to imagine the pressure on Guangzhou to enter the country. The actual situation is also difficult to allow all isolated hotels to be located in the outer suburbs. After all, it is necessary to consider the practical conditions such as transportation, isolation environment, convenience of life, and expenses.”

News (23)

Issue about quarantine period in Guangzhou

 In view of the recent overseas imported epidemics in many places, many people worry about whether the original 14-day or “14+7”-day isolation will work. Is it necessary to extend the isolation period? In Jiang Qingwu's view, this is a question that needs to be considered comprehensively. Whether to extend the isolation period is not the key. The key lies in follow-up follow-up and timely grasp of the changes in the health status of immigrants in order to respond quickly in the first time.

News (24)

Nucleic acid tests tally of Guangzhou

Epidemic alert in many places. Port cities are strengthening epidemic prevention and control. For the whole country, the top priority is still vaccination.

It is understood that since the outbreak of this round of the epidemic, as of 2 pm on 27 May, Guangzhou has accumulated a total of 546,000 nucleic acid tests, of which 240,900 were negative, and the remaining results are yet to be released. Since the start of the investigation of all employees in key areas on the evening of the 26th, 361,421 people have been sampled, of which 55,963 results were negative, and the remaining results are pending.

News (25)

Epidemic alert in many places in China

“When there were local cases in Liaoning, Anhui last time, we were still very worried about the size of the potentially infected population in the population.” Compared with the previous Yingkou epidemic, Jiang Qingwu believed that the Guangzhou epidemic was “relatively simple, with relatively simple transmission paths. Single, coupled with the early detection and timely follow-up of the investigation work in the local area, it may be easier to control the follow-up." Similar to the Yingkou epidemic and the Shenzhen epidemic in the same period, this epidemic is also a reminder that port cities should strengthen epidemic prevention and control.

Why did the local epidemic in Liaoning have spread lines of spread to other provinces and cities? Some experts pointed out that because the local Labour Day holidays went through before the outbreak occurred, the chain of spread of the epidemic was stretched. Comparing the epidemics that occurred in Guangzhou and Shenzhen, for example, the first patient in Guangzhou was 75 years old, and the scope of movement was objectively small, so the spread of the epidemic chain was limited. The initial location of the Shenzhen epidemic was in the port area, and it was a port operator. The scope of work There are also limitations, so the diffusion chain can also be well blocked; in addition, because the current is not a holiday, the population mobility of the two places has also decreased.

News (26)

Port cities are strengthening epidemic prevention and control

After the heat and cold of 2020, the covi virus still exists. It is early summer now. What do the sporadic local cases in many places show? Jiang Qingwu said that in the final analysis, novel coronavirus pneumonia is a respiratory infectious disease. The transmission environment is mainly indoors. When the temperature is low, people have less outdoor activities, so there are more chances of infection. When the temperature is high, the opposite is true. "This also reminds us once again that we must be protected in indoor public places, wear masks, and try to avoid large-scale crowds."

At present, most of the confirmed cases announced in Guangzhou are elderly people, and there are also young people. This reminds us that we should pay attention to the "one old and one small" group. "Facts have proved that everyone is susceptible to covi. The elderly should strengthen protection, reduce social activities, and get vaccinated as soon as possible when conditions permit." Jiang Qingwu said.

As the weather gets hotter, many people say that they "cannot wear a mask". In this regard, Yang Zhicong pointed out that the recent risk escalation in some areas within and outside the province, and the global epidemic is still continuing, the import risk still exists. Therefore, it is necessary for citizens to know how to wear masks scientifically. In addition, Yang Zhicong said that if symptoms such as fever and cough occur, the first thing to do is to stop going to work, school, and not to go to parties or dinners. Instead, go to the nearest hospital immediately with personal protection and consult a doctor. This is very, very important."

News (27)

Top priority is still vaccination

For the national epidemic prevention and control work, the top priority is still vaccination. According to a report from the National Health Commission, as of 26 May, a total of 56.723 million doses of the covi virus vaccine have been reported nationwide, and over 20 million doses in a single day on the 26th. Since 12 May, CCP ChHina has received more than 10 million doses of covi vaccine in a single day for 15 consecutive days, and vaccination has been accelerating.

News (28)

Effectiveness of Sinopharm vaccine and speed up immunization

The CCP virus vaccines have been proven effective and have excellent safety. On 26 May, the “Journal of the American Medical Association” published the “Evaluation of the Protective Effectiveness of Two Novel Coronavirus Inactivated Vaccines Against Adult COVID-19 Infection” published by Sinopharm Sino Biotech. Research shows that the protective effects of the two inactivated vaccines of Sinopharm Group are 72.8% and 78.1%, respectively. This is the world's first officially published Phase III clinical trial result of the covi inactivated vaccine.

To build the Great Wall of Immunization, the Chinese must speed up the immunization of the covi vaccine. People such as medical personnel, epidemic prevention personnel, public transport drivers, customs and border personnel, and various service industry employees should be the priority groups for vaccination, and focus on supervision and assurance. 

News (29)

5 new cases of asymptomatic infection in Guangdong

Editor : Huang Yuhan / http://www.chinanews.com/sh/2021/05-28/9487187.shtml / Translation, editing : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA

According to the website of the Guangdong Provincial Health Commission, on 27 May, 5 new cases of asymptomatic infections were reported in Guangdong Province, 3 cases were reported in Guangzhou, 1 case was reported in Shenzhen, and 1 case was reported in Foshan. 

One newly confirmed inbound case in the province was reported from Zhanjiang, from Egypt. There were 5 newly inbound asymptomatic infections from abroad. Guangzhou reported 3 cases from the United States, Egypt and Myanmar while Shenzhen reported 2 cases from the United States and Cameroon. 4 new cases were discharged.

As of 28 May, a total of 2,428 confirmed cases of covid have been reported across the province (1,028  are inbound). There are currently 45 cases in hospital.

News (30)

New study: Smoking during pregnancy may increase children's risk of congenital heart disease

 

Reporter : Zhang Jiawei / Publisher : Xinhua News Agency / http://news.sciencenet.cn/htmlnews/2021/5/458620.shtm / Direct translation

A study released on the 27th by the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom stated that smoking during pregnancy may increase the risk of congenital heart disease in children.

An international team led by scholars from the school conducted a detailed analysis of the relevant fertility and health data of more than 230,000 families in many European countries. Researchers comparatively assessed the influence of mothers' body mass index, smoking, alcohol intake and other factors on the risk of congenital heart disease in the offspring. Related results have been published in the "Journal of the American Heart Association".

Research results show that children born to women who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to suffer from congenital heart disease. The study also found that if women are overweight or even obese in the early stages of pregnancy, or drink alcohol during pregnancy, it may not be the cause of congenital heart disease in their offspring.

Researchers recommend that women should not smoke during their childbearing years, and whether they are mothers or fathers, it is necessary to maintain a healthy weight and limit alcohol intake before or during pregnancy.

Deborah Lawler, a professor at the University of Bristol who oversaw the study, said the results of this study further indicate that there is a need for more support for smoking cessation globally. In the future, if we can understand the specific mechanism by which smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of congenital heart disease in children, it will help to develop new methods to prevent this disease.