Prompt Release of Accurate Epidemic Information

The Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee demanded at its meeting on January 25, 2020 prompt release of accurate information on the epidemic and timely response to concerns at home and aboard. It also required providing timely updates of the epidemic with the World Health Organization (WHO), relevant countries and regional organizations, Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR and Taiwan province, and enhancing cooperation in an all-out response to the epidemic, in order to jointly safeguard regional and global health safety.

Speaking to a meeting of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau on February 3, Xi Jinping required frequent release of authoritative information by relevant agencies at different levels, addressing existing problems squarely, and responding to public concerns in a timely and specialist manner with a clear aim. At another meeting held on February 23 to promote nationwide epidemic control and economic and social development, he urged improving the release of epidemic information, which shall be made in an open, transparent, timely and accurate manner in accordance with the law.

Following the arrangements and requirements by the central leadership, the State Council Information Office has since January 26 held press conferences at irregular intervals on the joint efforts in virus prevention and control. On February 15, it for the first time moved its pressroom to Wuhan, the forefront of epidemic prevention and control. Starting from January 27, the National Health Commission (NHC) has held press conferences every morning. Starting from February 3, the inter-agency task force under the Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism of the State Council has held press conferences daily. Hubei province and other regions severely hit by the epidemic also hold press conferences every day. 

By releasing latest information about the epidemic, prevention and control measures and effects, these press conferences have taken the initiative in responding to public concerns and quashing rumors, thus have further improved the effectiveness of information disclosure.

及時準確、公開透明發布疫情信息

2020年1月25日，中共中央政治局常委會專題會議強調，要及時準確、公開透明發布疫情信息，回應境內外關切；要及時向世界衛生組織、有關國家和地區組織以及港澳臺地區通報疫情信息，加強合作、全力應對，共同維護地區和全球衛生安全。2月3日，習近平在中共中央政治局常委會會議上發表講話，要求多層次、高密度發布權威信息，正視存在的問題，回應群眾的關切，增強及時性、針對性、專業性。2月23日，習近平在統籌推進新冠肺炎疫情防控和經濟社會發展工作部署會議上發表講話，要求完善疫情信息發布，依法做到公開、透明、及時、準確。

按照中央統一部署和要求，國務院新聞辦公室1月26日起不定期就新冠病毒肺炎疫情聯防聯控工作有關情況舉行發布會；2月15日首次將發布會現場前移至抗疫最前沿——湖北武漢。1月27日起，國家衛生健康委每天上午舉行新聞發布會。2月3日起，國務院應對新冠肺炎疫情聯防聯控機制新聞發布會每日舉行。與此同時，湖北省及部分疫情比較重的地方每天也都舉行新聞發布會。上述發布會及時通報疫情情況、防控舉措、抗“疫”效果，主動回應社會關切、壓縮謠言空間，進一步提高了新聞輿論工作的針對性和有效性。