National Health Commission releases COVID-19 triage protocol

The National Health Commission released a COVID-19 triage protocol on Wednesday, in an effort to deliver timely treatment for high-risk patients and reduce rates of severe case and death while guaranteeing regular medical services.

Asymptomatic and mild cases can isolate at home and take oral medicines when necessary. For elderly patients with limited mobility, home-based therapy coupled with door-to-door services provided by medical staff is recommended.

Moderate cases with high-risk factors such as old age and severe preexisting illnesses who are in stable condition should be transferred to COVID-19 designated hospitals.

Severe and critical cases with pneumonia symptoms and infected patients on dialysis should be transferred to high-level designated hospitals.

Other serious COVID-19 cases largely worsened by their preexisting illnesses should be transferred to major comprehensive hospitals in the region.

The notice also asked local communities to survey condition of vulnerable groups in their jurisdictions and required grassroots medical facilities to stock up on traditional Chinese medicine and antigen tests.

Major hospitals are also urged to step up construction of intensive care units and medical staff.