The WHO Country Office in China, supported by the Regional Office for the Western Pacific and global headquarters, has provided the Government of China with technical advice on detection, testing, isolation and quarantine measures to support a rapid response to contain the outbreak since the start.
WHO works closely with Chinese experts and other partners to better understand the virus and ensure all players work together in collaboration.
WHO plays a critical role in providing advice to the public about how they can protect themselves and others. WHO’s Chinese-language social media has reached 1 billion people, and we’re tracking the impact on behaviour – having documented an increase in daily practices of handwashing, respiratory hygiene, social distancing and so on.
After the initial risk communications about the virus and personal protective measures, some of our more recent campaigns have been focused on preventing a resurgence, with topics like safely returning to work and school; encouraging people to pay attention to their mental health after 2 months of self-isolation; reminding people of the importance of healthy diets and habits, like not smoking; and so on.
As China emerges from the containment phase of the outbreak after 2 months and moves into the mitigation stage, its experience is helping countries currently at the start of the COVID-19 cycle to plan their responses better.