Focus on Arts and Ecology

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi hosted the first meeting of the International Forum on COVID-19 Vaccine Cooperation via video on Thursday.

"No one should be left behind in the fight against COVID-19"

The first meeting of the International Forum on COVID-19 Vaccine Cooperation on Thursday highlighted the need to make vaccination a global public service, ensure fair and equitable distribution of vaccines, and increase vaccine production capacity in developing countries.

About 30 parties, including ministers from various countries, representatives of the United Nations and other international organizations, and business representatives attended the meeting.

Key takeaways from the meeting

• China will strive to provide 2 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines to the world and offer $100 million to the COVAX project throughout this year, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Thursday in a written message
• China called for unity, reaffirming the importance of COVID-19 vaccines as a global public good
• Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the only way for the world to escape the virus's grip is through solidarity and cooperation.

• Cases in the initial stages of the outbreak were among aircraft cleaners at Nanjing Lukou International Airport. 
• Since more than a dozen cleaners at a major air hub in eastern China's Nanjing City were reportedly infected with COVID-19 on July 20, over 20 cities have detected linked cases.

Mass testing and vaccinations

Citywide testing has been underway in central China's Wuhan and Zhengzhou. Officials have linked the cases to the highly contagious Delta variant. 

Over 1.7 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines had been administered in China as of August 3, 2021, according to the National Health Commission (NHC). With a population of over 1.41 billion people, China aims to achieve herd immunity as early as the end of this year through mass vaccinations, according to the NHC.

Travel restrictions

• China has imposed restrictions on travel, shut down scenic spots, and canceled performances in cities that have medium- and high-risk areas, witnessing a surge in COVID-19 cases. 
• China has strengthened epidemic controls at airports and borders. Authorities say frontline workers employed in international services at airports, land and water ports, including sailors, will be separated from their families during their work time. 
• China will also not issue exit and entry documents, including ordinary passports for citizens whose travel needs are "not necessary." But there are exceptions.

CGTN Correspondent Roee Ruttenberg speaks with Qinduo Xu on the recent outbreak of COVID cases in China and how the government is responding to the surge.

More on the ‘hypertransmitable’ Delta variant here. 

(Sources: China Report)