Chongqing - On Mar. 24, the video conference on sharing COVID – 19 prevention and control experience between epidemic prevention experts from Chongqing, Ukraine, and Armenia launched in Chongqing.

Organized by the Department of European - Central Asian Affairs of Ministry of Foreign Affairs offices of the PRC, joined by medical and health experts, and government officials from Chongqing, Ukraine, and Armenia, the video conference aims to aid Ukraine and Armenia to combat COVID-19 with Chongqing’s experience.

From Jan. 19 when the first confirmed case of COVID-19 was reported in Chongqing to Mar. 23, 570 patients out of the 578 (including 2 oversea imported cases) infected with COVID-19 have been cured and discharged from the hospital. There are no new locally-transmitted confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the past 28 days in Chongqing. The number of the total confirmed cases of COVID -19 is the 10^th largest in China, with a cure rate of 98.96%. Mr. Huang Wenxiang, a chief physician of the infection department from Chongqing, also pointed out there is zero medical staff who get infected in Chongqing. 

Mr. Zhou Lin, the Vice Director of Chongqing Municipal Health Commission，introduced Chongqing’s experience in fighting against COVID-19 in the following aspects. First, build an effective command system of joint prevention and control to guarantee the orderly and effective implementation of epidemic prevention and control. Secondly, control the source of infection. Thirdly,  concentrate the patients, gather the experts, pool the resources,  and treat en masse. Forth, ensure information transparency about the epidemic situation and keep the consulates and ex-pats in Chongqing updated.

 “COVID-19 has become a huge global challenge. Countries need to support each other to overcome difficulties,”  said Denys Shmygal, the Prime Minister of Ukraine during the video conference. He continued, “Today, with appreciation and hope, we hope to learn the experience from Chinese medical experts to take effective measures to contain the spread of COVID -19 in Ukraine.”

During the discussion, detailed questions brought up by Ukrainian and Armenian medical experts got detailed answers from the medical staff from Chongqing with the frontline experience with the COVID – 19 prevention and control, including the prevention and control measures to curb the epidemic, clinical treatment of COVID-19 patients, COVID-19 test kits, medicines effectiveness, therapeutic management, medical staff arrangement, and self-protection.

Chongqing will also arrange a video conference on sharing experience with Belarus based on their need. Except for providing aid through experience sharing on COVID-19, Chongqing has donated epidemic prevention materials and provided support to many countries. On Mar. 10, Chongqing has donated the first batch of epidemic prevention materials to sister cities. On Mar. 19, 470,000 masks departure from Chongqing to South Korea, Italy, Iran, etc. Until Mar. 15, Chongqing has sent 9 letters to countries and regions with a severe epidemic. Chongqing plans to provide medical supplies to 10 countries including Spain and international organizations.