China has entered a new stage of COVID-19 epidemic prevention and control with emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant. This variant has a shorter incubation time and spreads more easily among humans. Since March 2022, cluster outbreaks of the Omicron variant in many parts of China spread undetected within the community for a period before being detected. The characteristics of the Omicron variant have made it difficult to implement early detection policies in Chinese cities.
In May 2022, the Chinese government improved the regular monitoring mechanism and set up 15-minute nucleic acid test circles in provincial capitals and cities with a population of more than 10 million inhabitants. This approach refers to the deployment of nucleic acid testing sites in large cities at sites that can be reached by all residents, located within a 15-minute walk from their home or office.
Large cities are characterized by a large population size, high density, and frequent social exchanges. The establishment of nucleic acid testing sites within a 15-minute walk and a regular monitoring mechanism in these cities can speed up the detection and response to outbreaks of COVID-19. Relevant health authorities believe that this is conducive to the public receiving nucleic acid testing services at a nearby location and early detection of infected individuals. The sensitivity of detection and early warning system can help to control outbreaks in a timely manner.
Experts suggest that China must vigorously support the development and application of automated testing facilities integrating sampling, information input, nucleic acid testing, and data analysis to ensure that people can undergo testing efficiently and conveniently on arrival. The establishment of such a testing system will not only provide scientific data for the screening and tracking of COVID-19 cases but also provides a platform for the prevention and control of other infectious diseases in the future.
Li Zhenjun, Director of the Biosafety Laboratory, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, China CDC, has stated, “As China has entered a new stage of COVID-19 epidemic prevention and control against the Omicron variant, finding the source of infection as early as possible and cutting off transmission have become the key to epidemic prevention and control, and nucleic acid testing is a regular and effective means. Its sampling environment, process and efficiency directly determine the sensitivity and efficiency of subsequent laboratory nucleic acid testing. From the perspective of theory and practical application, the establishment of 15-minute nucleic acid test circles is mainly to facilitate testing of residents and sampling by medical staff and to guarantee rapid completion of nucleic acid testing for all residents.”
At present, many cities and regions in China have been exploring the implementation of regular nucleic acid testing, such as Beijing, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Dalian, and Hefei, as well as many cities in Jiangxi Province and Hubei Province. Considering local conditions, these cities have established nucleic acid testing sites and organized residents to undergo nucleic acid testing within at least 48 h of symptom onset, or within 7 days at most.
Conflict of interest
The author declared that he has no conflicts of interest to this work.