On March 9, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) reported that as the coronavirus situation at home and abroad continues to subside, it will adjust the case reporting definition for COVID-19, effective March 20, 2023 (date of specimen collection for the case) if the pandemic situation remains stable. The case reporting definition will be changed to: individuals with COVID-19 who meet the criteria for COVID-19 complications (moderate and severe illness) will be required to report their illness and undergo isolation for treatment. Individuals with COVID-19 who have mild or no symptoms do not need to report their positive tests or undergo isolation if they test positive for COVID-19. These individuals will not receive an isolation notice or text message. However, individuals with mild or no symptoms are advised to observe the "0+n self-health management scheme". Under this new scheme, they can end their self-health management period if they test negative on a rapid test or when 10 days have passed since the onset of their symptoms or the date of their positive test (for asymptomatic cases) without taking another COVID-19 test. During the self-health management period, individuals with mild or no symptoms are advised to rest at home if they experience symptoms and to avoid going out unless necessary. They can go out when they don't experience any symptoms or symptoms improve (fever has dissipated for at least one day) and should wear a mask at all times when outside.
The 0+n self-health management scheme is provided as guidance, and members of the public are free to decide whether to follow it. No relevant penalties will be imposed.
The CECC pointed out that, in line with the adjustments to this measure, effective March 20, it will also discontinue the Contact Tracing Self-reporting System for Confirmed Cases, remote consultations for home care, self-initiated prevention measures for household members of confirmed cases and arrivals, and updating of COVID-19 diagnosis and test data on the Digital COVID-19 Certificate system (DVC) and My Health Bank and will adjust video consultation protocols in response to COVID-19.
The CECC also pointed out that, in order to successfully implement these changes, a seven-day grace period, from March 20 to 26, is scheduled to be provided. This period will allow both individuals whose date of specimen collection is on or before March 19 and relevant units to take related measures, such as reporting cases, and to complete administrative procedures.