Report 30 - The COVID-19 epidemic trends and control measures in mainland China

To understand the epidemic trends and control measures of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in China, between mid-January and March 2020, the authors carried out data collation and descriptive analysis in 31 provinces and municipalities, with a focus on the six most affected.

From March 2020, the first wave driven by local transmission declined, while the burden of imported cases increased. The focus of control measures to continue the suppression of transmission was therefore shifted towards testing and quarantine of inbound travellers. The description of the course of the epidemic and the timing of interventions is consistent with the interpretation that early implementation and timely adjustment of control measures could be important in containing transmission and minimising adverse outcomes of COVID-19.