BEIJING - China has pledged to further enhance lab testing capability for COVID-19 and give priority to land border areas in the support amid efforts to guard against any surge of imported cases or relapse into a domestic outbreak.

China also vowed to ensure that COVID-19 tests are available in county-level regions, according to a circular released by the State Council joint prevention and control mechanism against the coronavirus

The country also vowed to ensure that COVID-19 tests are available in county-level regions, according to a circular released by the State Council joint prevention and control mechanism against the coronavirus.

As per the circular, localities are required to make response plans and drills for possible outbreaks based on local conditions to improve preparedness for epidemic control and patient treatment.

Local authorities should support medical facilities in building and managing fever clinics and ensure that all tests and treatments for feverish patients are finished in the clinics to avoid cross infections, accordin to the circular.

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While encouraging online medical services and doctor visits by appointment to limit gatherings in hospitals, as per the circular, the government also pledged support in terms of funding, manpower and medical supplies to keep frontline medical professionals safe. 

Separately, China's Ministry of Education has issued a guideline, suspending the resumption of major sports events and mass gatherings on campus amid the epidemic, to ensure the safety and health of teachers and students.

According to the guideline, suspended major sports events include single-sport events and comprehensive sports games.

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The guideline also asked schools to make overall adjustments to students' physical education, sports training and exercise activities in accordance with local epidemic prevention and control requirements. It also called for deepening the reform of physical education by making full use of the Internet.