According to primary Taiwanese news agency Central News Agency (CNA), the current surge of respiratory disease in China now is severe. Multiple diseases are prevalent at the same time in the current epidemic. According to China’s National Administration of Disease Control and Prevention, common respiratory infectious diseases circulating in China now include COVID-19, the influenza virus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, respiratory syncytial virus, etc. These are mainly spread through respiratory droplets, inhalation of aerosols containing pathogens, or close contact [with contagious persons].
A new policy and guidelines issued by the National Administration of Disease Control and Prevention recommends wearing a mask when taking public transportation or entering a crowded place. Furthermore, the policy requires people to wear masks when going to medical institutions or places where vulnerable groups gather. The policy also requires public service personnel such as medical, catering, cleaning, and security personnel to wear masks during work. People should also wear a mask when entering supermarkets, theaters, passenger terminals, elevators, and other closed and crowded places.
According to the guidelines, patients with respiratory infectious diseases or those with symptoms of respiratory infectious diseases should wear particle protective masks such as N95 or KN95 (without a breathing valve) or medical protective masks; other personnel should wear disposable medical masks or medical surgical masks.
Source: CNA, December 9, 2023
https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/202312090218.aspx