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.
及时准确、公开透明发布疫情信息
2020年1月25日，中共中央政治局常委会专题会议强调，要及时准确、公开透明发布疫情信息，回应境内外关切；要及时向世界卫生组织、有关国家和地区组织以及港澳台地区通报疫情信息，加强合作、全力应对，共同维护地区和全球卫生安全。2月3日，习近平在中共中央政治局常委会会议上发表讲话，要求多层次、高密度发布权威信息，正视存在的问题，回应群众的关切，增强及时性、针对性、专业性。2月23日，习近平在统筹推进新冠肺炎疫情防控和经济社会发展工作部署会议上发表讲话，要求完善疫情信息发布，依法做到公开、透明、及时、准确。
按照中央统一部署和要求，国务院新闻办公室1月26日起不定期就新冠病毒肺炎疫情联防联控工作有关情况举行发布会；2月15日首次将发布会现场前移至抗疫最前沿——湖北武汉。1月27日起，国家卫生健康委每天上午举行新闻发布会。2月3日起，国务院应对新冠肺炎疫情联防联控机制新闻发布会每日举行。与此同时，湖北省及部分疫情比较重的地方每天也都举行新闻发布会。上述发布会及时通报疫情情况、防控举措、抗“疫”效果，主动回应社会关切、压缩谣言空间，进一步提高了新闻舆论工作的针对性和有效性。