Opinions
2020.02.06 00:53 GMT+8

Fighting the virus: Actions speak louder than words

Updated 2020.02.06 00:53 GMT+8
CGTN

Editor's Note: The following article is taken from the Chinese-language "The Real Point." The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN. 

With prevention and control measures in full swing to contain the novel coronavirus, the most crucial task for the moment is to make sure that plans are carried out in detail. This means that the arrangements should be turned into deeds rather than remain as spoken commands or written documents. Policies must be carried out more accurately, and responsibilities must be specified in detail.

Progress has already been seen in containing the spread of the virus across China. A makeshift facility called Huoshenshan Hospital was built in Wuhan in Hubei Province, the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak, in an astonishing 10 days, and is now ready to treat patients infected with the virus. Over 8,000 medical workers from all parts of the country have been deployed to Hubei to assist in the fight against the outbreak. Various parties are coordinating efforts to ease the shortage of medical supplies and guarantee provisions of daily necessities in the affected areas.

However, the battle against the pneumonia outbreak has also revealed shortcomings in aspects such as emergency management, public health and national reserves in China. All the more reason to carry out the arrangements in detail in order to contain the virus.

Increased planning and coordination is crucial in getting things done. On the one hand, the worst-hit areas should be given priority to receive resources for prevention, cure and protection to help local medical workers treat patients, to nip the spread of the virus in the bud. On the other hand, local authorities should not only consider the need for their own regions when taking containment measures, but also take into account how those measures will affect the prevention and control work of key regions as well as the whole country.

Carrying out the measures to the letter impacts upon the stability of China's economic and social development, and aids wider preparations allowing the country to handle all sorts of complicated and difficult situations, ensuring that the Chinese economy stays on the track of progress in the long run. China's central bank and other government departments have taken steps to provide support in the fight against the epidemic and to ensure stable economic development.

The ongoing epidemic is inevitably affecting global trade and the tourism industry. By improving its ability to contain the epidemic, China is being responsible to the world.

The epidemic is also a major test of China's governance system and capacity. As such, carrying out measures to the letter is vital to China's eventual win of the battle against the epidemic.

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