CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- “Taking nucleic acid testing once every week is an ordinary measure of regular management, while the 72-hour valid negative nucleic acid test is a special measure required for epidemic prevention and control in key areas," said Luo Fei, the chief physician of the Chongqing Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) during the 132nd press conference on the prevention and control of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Chongqing held on October 30. At the conference, he introduce the difference between the regular nucleic acid testing in the downtown area and the 72-hour valid negative nucleic acid test result.

Luo Fei said that as long as most citizens in the downtown area complete nucleic acid testing once every week, they can meet the requirements of the regular epidemic prevention and control, as well as their daily travel requirements. In the crowded and enclosed places, however, there is a high risk of passing the virus on if any infected patience is found. Therefore, based on the experts' research and discussion, and current situation of epidemic prevention and control in our city, it is required that all people entering the key areas should hold a 72-hour valid negative nucleic acid test result to reduce the risk of epidemic outbreaks.

In short, taking nucleic acid testing once every week is an ordinary measure of regular management, while the 72-hour valid negative nucleic acid test is a special measure required for epidemic prevention and control in key areas.

Luo Fei mentioned that, according to the 9th edition of Prevention and Control Scheme, key areas mainly refer to places that are crowded, enclosed, and prone to epidemic outbreaks, such as logistics parks, farmers' markets (fairs), hotels, shopping malls, supermarkets, fitness and entertainment venues, hair salons and baths, cinemas, stadiums, libraries, museums, art galleries, chess and card rooms, enclosed cruise ships, game venues, and maternity centers. (Translated by Cai Xinyu, Fathom Language Limited)