People's Daily Commentary: Adhere to the Ninth Edition of the Prevention and Control Plan and Implement the Twenty Optimization Measures.
We must adhere to the ninth edition of the prevention and control plan and implement the 20 optimized measures without wavering or deviating from the original intent, genuinely enhancing the scientific rigor, precision, and effectiveness of epidemic prevention and control. Familiarity with the policies is a prerequisite; strict enforcement is the key; and supervision and accountability serve as the guarantee.
Currently, affected by virus mutations and climatic factors during the winter and spring seasons, the epidemic prevention and control situation is severe and complex. The number of newly infected individuals continues to rise, and the epidemic has spread widely with numerous transmission chains. The more severe and complex the situation becomes, the more crucial it is to fully, accurately, and comprehensively implement the decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee, adhere to the “three unwavering principles,” stick to the ninth edition of the prevention and control plan, and put the twenty optimized measures into practice without wavering or deviating from the original intent, thereby effectively balancing epidemic prevention and control with economic and social development.
Judging from the content of the 20 optimized measures, whether it’s about refraining from arbitrarily expanding the scope of high-risk areas and promptly lifting restrictions on high-risk areas that meet the criteria for de-escalation, minimizing the number of personnel under control, or prohibiting the expansion of nucleic acid testing to regions where no outbreaks have occurred and generally avoiding mass nucleic acid testing conducted by administrative region—these measures are all grounded in a thorough understanding of virus mutations and transmission patterns, as well as in the lessons learned from epidemic prevention and control efforts over the past three years. They represent a strategy of seeking progress while maintaining stability, taking small steps forward without stopping, being tailored to China’s national conditions, and being more scientific and precise. These measures are not about relaxing controls or letting our guard down; they are certainly not equivalent to “lying flat.” We must resolutely implement them without any compromise.
To win the tough battle against regular COVID-19 prevention and control, what’s truly valuable is confidence and fighting spirit—and even more so, scientific approaches to prevention and control and targeted, precise measures. The immediate priority is to stick firmly to the ninth edition of the prevention and control plan and implement the twenty optimized measures without wavering or deviating from the original guidelines, thereby genuinely enhancing the scientific rigor, precision, and effectiveness of our epidemic prevention and control efforts.
Familiarity with the policies is a prerequisite. Whether they are leading cadres at all levels or grassroots workers, everyone must accurately grasp the specific contents and underlying principles of the Ninth Edition of the Prevention and Control Plan and the Twenty Optimization Measures. Just a few days ago, the Comprehensive Group of the State Council’s Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism issued a notice on four documents, including the “Implementation Measures for Nucleic Acid Testing in COVID-19 Prevention and Control” and the “Plan for Identifying and Managing Risk Areas for the COVID-19 Epidemic,” to help relevant personnel better understand and implement the Twenty Optimization Measures. Only by accurately mastering the latest requirements can we keep pace with the times and effectively carry out prevention and control work.
Strict enforcement is the key. We must translate our firm determination to win the protracted battle against regular epidemic prevention and control into scientifically precise prevention and control efforts, and reflect this commitment in achieving the “two quick” goals: swiftly curbing the spread of the epidemic and promptly restoring normal production and living order. Among the 20 optimized measures, it is explicitly stated: “It is strictly prohibited to arbitrarily close schools or suspend classes, halt work or production, block transportation without authorization, adopt ‘silent’ management measures at random, impose indiscriminate lockdowns, fail to lift lockdowns for extended periods, or arbitrarily suspend medical services—all such practices that represent escalating restrictions at every level.” In response, local Party committees and governments must earnestly fulfill their jurisdictional responsibilities, rigorously implement the decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee, and further rectify any practices that are inconsistent with the ninth edition of the prevention and control plan and the 20 optimized measures.
Supervision and accountability are essential safeguards. We must firmly oppose irresponsible attitudes and practices such as relaxing controls, loosening restrictions, and adopting a “lying flat” approach. At the same time, we must resolutely address issues like “adding layers of requirements at each level” and “one-size-fits-all” approaches, and firmly reject and overcome all forms of formalism and bureaucratic red tape. We should make good use of mechanisms such as administrative supervision and disciplinary interviews, intensify the reporting and public exposure of violations, and hold those responsible for serious consequences strictly accountable in accordance with laws and regulations. The more challenging the epidemic prevention and control situation becomes, the more crucial it is to adhere to law-based prevention and control, coordinate and advance all prevention and control efforts within the framework of the rule of law, and comprehensively enhance our capacity for law-based prevention and governance.
Complying with rules and laws and strictly adhering to epidemic prevention requirements, the public is the main force in epidemic control. Believing in the people and relying on the people, trusting in science and depending on science—this has been and remains the key to overcoming the pandemic. We must resolutely enforce measures where they are necessary, decisively lift those that no longer serve their purpose, and ensure full implementation of all required measures. Only then can we do our utmost to safeguard the lives and health of the people and minimize the impact of the epidemic on economic and social development.
