[Explanation] On January 31, the "Guangzhou Laboratory Technology Helps Grassroots Epidemic Prevention and Control Thousand Miles" event was held in Guangzhou. Zhong Nanshan, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, answered questions about epidemic prevention during the Spring Festival at the event.

  [Explanation] Zhong Nanshan said that the first is to closely track the mutation of the new coronavirus, and the second is to observe the effectiveness of the vaccine.

The most critical mutation of the virus now occurs in the receptor binding site of the spike protein.

  [Concurrent] Zhong Nanshan, Academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering

  It is easy to open the "door" of virus infecting people (viruses infecting people) more easily, (viruses) are more likely to invade the body and cause disease. Is this one of the possible reasons why the infectivity becomes stronger.

  [Explanation] Zhong Nanshan emphasized that on the one hand, it is necessary to track the mutated virus, and on the other hand, it is necessary to consider what kind of virus strain is used to make the vaccine after the virus mutates.

  [Concurrent] Zhong Nanshan, Academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering

  Is it possible that the toxicity of the new crown, or its infectivity, will gradually change in the future, and will it become like the previous flu? So now it seems that the mutation is worth noting. In the past, everyone paid more attention to the mutation. It is more contagious, maybe in Western countries, but is there a vaccine?

There is no answer, but now the question is on the agenda.

  [Commentary] Zhong Nanshan said that the current climax of China's new crown pneumonia epidemic has passed, and the situation of the recovered patients is concerned.

Recently, in some areas, after a confirmed case of new coronary pneumonia recovered, the nucleic acid test turned positive.

In this regard, Zhong Nanshan does not believe that the transfer of positive cases poses a strong threat and is highly infectious.

  [Concurrent] Zhong Nanshan, Academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering

  The residual nucleic acid fragment does not mean that this patient has a live virus. I rarely see that the nucleic acid turns positive and will infect others, but this work does require a longer period of observation. How can we prevent it? The place is tested more frequently, and of course we must be properly isolated. For these patients, the key is psychological treatment.

  [Explanation] The Spring Festival is approaching. For students who have not yet returned to China after studying abroad, Zhong Nanshan suggests that everyone celebrate the festival in place or through video.

  [Concurrent] Zhong Nanshan, Academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering

  Overseas students, because I have also stayed overseas for two years, it is very complicated to not be able to go home during the holidays, so I feel very homesick. When I sometimes feel lonely in foreign countries, I have (sent) a letter in China ( Condolence) Letter, although a few words, it will feel very warm. I think it is very necessary for the relevant departments to do this job well. If there is a chance to get the vaccine, I am very in favor of the vaccination, but it may not be his turn. I can only mention these (Suggestion), I also wish overseas students a happy Chinese New Year and better results in the Year of the Ox.

  [Explanation] Currently, the number of confirmed cases of new coronary pneumonia in the world has exceeded 100 million. Regarding the development trend of the epidemic, Zhong Nanshan said.

  [Concurrent] Zhong Nanshan, Academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering

  At present, I have seen what its trend is. The trend is that two countries are still at a high level, the United States and Russia. The others have begun to decline. Since each country has adopted relatively strong measures, it is actively increasing vaccines ( In the case of vaccination) and active control, it may be around March, I think it will start to decline.

  (Reported by Cai Minjie and Wei Jeff from Guangdong)

Editor in charge: [Li He]