New wave of infections unlikely in short term

China has its COVID-19 epidemic under control and experts forecast that the possibility of a new wave of infections in next couple of months is low.

"We haven't seen the variant becoming more infectious, developing immune escape or increasing in pathogenicity. The epidemic is being controlled so far," said Mi Feng, spokesman for the National Health Commission at a news conference in Beijing on Thursday.

Wu Zunyou, chief epidemiologist at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, told the conference that optimized COVID-19 response measures remain effective.

He said China has gained a great deal of experience in the fight against COVID-19 over the past three years, which helped prevent more widespread outbreak of the original and more deadly strain, as well as of the later Delta variant, reducing the number of severe cases and deaths.

He said that as a nationwide wave of infection has just taken place and most of those infected have recovered, the possibility a new wave in coming few months is lower as those who have recovered people have higher immunity.

"There may be outbreaks in some areas or among certain groups of people in a certain time period, but the chances of a widespread outbreak in the short term are slim thanks to optimized response policies," he said.

Mi added that with school terms and spring plowing beginning, it remains important to work on epidemic control.

"It's necessary to monitor the health of key groups like the elderly and boost protective supplies to the countryside. Health departments should focus on epidemic prevention work at supermarkets, shopping malls, and other markets, also places including nursing houses, charity houses, kindergartens and schools to make sure those who are infected are traced and treated or transferred as soon as possible," he said.