Beijing’s dynamic zero Covid-19 policy has proven to be effective, feasible and scientific in the past three years, senior health advisor Liang Wannian told a news conference on Thursday, ahead of a Communist Party congress.

Liang explained that mainland authorities cannot let their guard down because of emerging coronavirus variants.

"Because of the variants, we cannot drop our vigilance, so, if we drop the policy of dynamic zero Covid, there will certainly be a large number of infected people.

"For those elderly people and those suffering from underlying diseases, it is highly likely that there will a rising number of death cases and severe symptoms," he added.

"We cannot tolerate that. That's why we must do our utmost to curb it from transmitting."

Authorities will continue to strengthen Covid-19 prevention and control, and resolutely guard against large-scale outbreaks, Lei Zhenglong, an official at the National Health Commission told the same briefing.

The 20th party congress will open on October 16 in Beijing. (Additional reporting by Reuters)
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Last updated: 2022-10-13 HKT 16:40