City's medical experts support the global fight against COVID-19

Medical experts from Shanghai have shared their knowledge with multiple countries including South Africa and Spain through online meetings in the past week to help fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

A video conference was held by the Shanghai Foreign Affairs Office and the Chinese Embassyin South Africa on Friday evening to communicate with medical specialists in South Africa.

The medical authorities from Shanghai included Dr Yuan Zhenghong, Party secretary of the Medical College of Fudan University and head of the city’s epidemiology and etiologyteam of COVID-19, Dr Sun Xiaodong, deputy director of the Shanghai CDC Center, Dr Hu Bijie, director of Infectious Diseases Department at Zhongshan Hospital affiliated to Fudan University and Dr Shen Yinzhong, director of Department of Medical Administration, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center.

They exchanged their experiences and answered questions on topics including virus testing, clinical treatment, the allocation of medical equipment and burials.

According to Yuan, PCR nucleic acid and antibody testing are the two main methods of detecting the virus. The former is the predominant method because of its high sensitivity, while the latter serves as supplement.

Hu has been working at the front line treating patients for two months. He said that medical workers in Shanghai are now making efforts to prevent the deterioration of mild cases.

The deterioration rate of imported patients has dropped significantly, he said.

He also noted public health infrastructure should be built beforehand. The establishment of ICU and equipment such as ECMO and logistic backups are essential in the treatment of severe cases.

As to burial, Shen said that it should be in accordance with national laws and cultural backgrounds. The corpse should go through sanitary and health procedures, and good communication is required with families who have lost their loved ones.

During the symposium, Sun stressed the importance of public awareness.

Besides the Shanghai government and medical workers, each citizen and community has been involved in the process of the prevention and control of the virus, he said.

“Our media platforms including social media have played an important role. Full support from the public is also vital to fighting against the virus effectively," he said.

South Africa currently has reported 1,462 confirmed cases and five fatalities. The country has been under lockdown since president Cyril Ramaphosa introduced stringent measures on March 26, including a 21-day quarantine for most citizens.

“We hope this teleconference will contribute to the fight against the coronavirus in South Africa and deepen the relations between the two countries in terms of public health,” said Liu Guangyong, deputy director of the Shanghai Foreign Affairs Office.

In February, Chinese in South Africa voluntarily contributed medical supplies to help China fight the virus.

There have been no imported cases from China in South Africa since the beginning of the outbreak, and no local infected Chinese patients in South Africa so far.

“South Africa is China’s comprehensive strategic partner, now it’s China’s turn to reciprocate our friends’ goodwill and friendship,” said Li Nan, charge d’affaires of the Chinese Embassy in South Africa.

Local Chinese communities have donated more than 3 million rand.

“As President Xi and President Ramaphosa have exchanged letters on the virus, we believe we have a lot to learn and benefit from China,” said Zweli Mkhize, the South African Health Minister.

“We are also very grateful for the assistance from the Shanghai Health Commission and Shanghai Foreign Affairs Office. By solidarity and union shall we claim victory against the virus eventually,” he added.

Earlier this week, Sun also gave valuable advice to the Chinese communities in South Africa and Barcelona, Spain, regarding the precautions and methods to curb the virus from spreading through video lectures. 

Here are some highlights.

Q: If there is a person on a plane unknowingly carrying the virus, how can infection be prevented? How big is the risk?

A: Most planes are equipped with a filter that prevents the circulation of hazardous air. As long as you are well self-protected, it doesn’t matter where you sit on plane.

Q: How can groceries be disinfected? Is it necessary to spray alcohol all over them?

A: Disinfecting the packages groceries come in is enough. Remember don’t eat raw food. It’s not necessary to disinfect your clothes. Ventilation is very important. Remember these four rules: wear masks, wash hands, have good ventilation and avoid gathering.

Q: Vitamin C and similar medicines are being bought by many people to enhance their immune systems. What’s the appropriate dose for these medications?

A: Vitamin C is no panacea. The key to strengthen your immune system is with quality sleep, diet and exercise.

Q: How should masks be used properly?

A: You should try to minimize your usage of masks as the effective period usually lasts no more than four hours. Be careful when you take off your mask. Avoid touching the surface. Wet, contaminated and distorted masks should be disposed immediately.

Q: After the 21-day quarantine, is it safe for children to return to school?

A: We don’t recommend a quick restart of school activities. As of now, a respectively low infection rate among younger groups could be attributed to the lack of social contact since the outbreak. If schools restart, air conditioners should be shut and unnecessary face-to-face contact avoided.