In order to further improve the prevention and control of COVID-19, so to control the spread of the epidemic, National Health Commission revised Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol for COVID-19 in accordance with the requirements of category B infectious disease with category A infectious disease management and the changes in national epidemic situation and research progress. The main amendments are as follows:

I. Strengthening “four early” strategies

The protocol further clarified the prevention and control requirements of “early detection, early report, early isolation and early treatment”. In case detection and report, five main ways were detailed. Such measures as initiative screening of employers, regular monitoring network and health quarantine at ports were added. In treatment, emphasis should be placed on complete isolation, hospitalization, test and treatment, increasing hospitalization and recovery rate, and reduce infection and case fatality rate.

II. Strictly implement the time limit requirements for reporting, testing and epidemiological investigation

Firstly, it is clearly stipulated that direct network reporting should be made within 2 hours after suspected cases, confirmed cases and asymptomatic cases are diagnosed. Secondly, it is clearly stipulated that the institution undertaking the tests must give feedback of the test results within 12 hours after receiving the specimen. Thirdly, it is clearly stipulated that epidemiological investigation and reports of confirmed cases must be completed within 24 hours.

III. Timely revision and supplement of relevant standards

Firstly, based on latest research progress and considering the actual needs of grassroots work, serological diagnosis of cases, exclusion criteria for suspected cases and management criteria to discharge patients were supplemented. Secondly, in the definition of asymptomatic cases, a positive serum specific IgM test is added as an optional criterion.

IV. Preventing the import of overseas cases

Firstly, the protocol adjusted the definition of epidemiological history of cases, added the history of travel and residence in countries and regions with severe epidemic situation; Secondly, the protocol added health quarantine at ports in case detection. Thirdly, the protocol added health quarantine and health management at ports with those who come/return to China in key places, institutions and groups.

V. Strengthening the technical guidance of Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention

In the protocol, guideline for epidemiological investigation of COVID-19, guideline for close contact investigation and management, guideline for laboratory detection techniques, guideline for specific site disinfection techniques and guideline for personal protection of specific groups of people were uniformly formulated by Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. It is required that the Center strengthen the technical guidance for national prevention and control work.

VI. Giving full play to TCM

The protocol summarized the efficacy of TCM in the prevention and control of COVID-19, and clearly proposed to give full play to the unique advantages and roles of TCM treatment and drugs in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.