Home isolation ‘inevitable’ if cases surge, China Covid advisor says
“The medical resources at these centres will be easily exhausted. At that time, it will be inevitable for these mild cases and asymptomatic patients to isolate themselves at home,” Feng said.
“It will be a necessary step if the outbreak expands on a larger scale.”
He also recommended the use of rapid antigen kits to allow members of the public to test themselves, instead of relying on PCR tests.
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“PCR tests are more sensitive than antigen tests, that’s for certain, but when there’s no PCR test available, people should use antigen kits,” Feng said.
Positive results from antigen tests were reliable and important in diagnosing infections, he said.
Antigen tests are sold online and in pharmacies but demand can outstrip supply.
Daily cases have dropped, but the decrease may be the result of less frequent testing. Cities across China have stopped regular testing and asked residents not to test unless necessary.
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On Monday, China reported 4,247 local confirmed cases and 25,477 asymptomatic infections, with heavy concentrations in Guangdong province, Chongqing municipality and Beijing, and outbreaks in more than 20 provinces.
On Sunday night, six cities in eastern China’s Zhejiang province, including the provincial capital Hangzhou, announced they were doing away with routine PCR testing. Residents will not be asked to show test results when entering public venues or buying medication, but are urged to get vaccinated and wear masks.
However, there have been few official instructions on how the public should brace for an outbreak in light of the relaxed restrictions, which has led some to worry.
On Monday, social media posts from the northern city of Baoding in Hebei province went viral, with residents saying they feared the virus and that it was “much more powerful than just a cold”.
Authorities in some cities have started offering reassurance and help to the public on how to deal with the virus.
On Sunday, Baiyun district in Guangzhou said the current variant was not as harmful, as more than 90 per cent of infections in the city were asymptomatic and most symptoms went away within 36 hours.
It urged the public not to worry and to stay home and take an antigen test if they experienced symptoms. Online medical platforms are also open for consultations or buying medication, the district said.
