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One of China's leading respiratory disease experts has called on authorities to step up prevention and treatment efforts for COVID-19 and influenza, warning that COVID infections remain at a high level across the country.

我国著名呼吸疾病专家近日呼吁加强新冠与流感防控及诊疗工作，警示当前全国范围内新冠病毒感染仍处于较高流行水平。

According to data from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the COVID-19 positivity rate among outpatient and emergency influenza-like illness cases nationwide rose from 7.5 percent to 16.2 percent between March 31 and May 4. Among hospitalized cases, the positivity rate increased from 3.3 percent to 6.3 percent over the same period.

中国疾病预防控制中心监测数据显示，3月31日至5月4日期间，全国流感样病例门诊/急诊新冠阳性率从7.5%攀升至16.2%，住院病例阳性率同期由3.3%增至6.3%。

Zhong Nanshan, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering, said individuals who test positive—especially seniors with underlying health conditions—should begin taking medication within the first 48 hours of symptom onset to prevent serious illness.

中国工程院院士钟南山强调，新冠检测阳性者——尤其是有基础疾病的老年患者——应在症状出现48小时内启动药物治疗，以预防重症发生。

"Although the current outbreak of COVID-19 can be controlled, it still poses risks for people over age 65 with preexisting conditions," Zhong said at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Guangzhou Science and Technology Week on Saturday.

“当前新冠疫情虽整体可控，但65岁以上基础疾病患者仍面临风险。”钟南山院士周六在2025广州科技周启动仪式上表示。

"Residents should remain calm," he added, predicting that the latest wave of infections would decline after June.

他预测本轮疫情将于六月后逐步回落，并呼吁“民众应保持冷静”。钟院士同时透露，其科研团队正着力研发专门针对5岁以下儿童的新冠病毒抗体及治疗方案。

Zhong also said his team is working to develop COVID-19 antibodies and treatments specifically for children under age 5.

钟南山院士同时透露，其团队正致力于研发专门针对5岁以下儿童的新冠抗体及治疗方案。

"Research on COVID-19 drugs for this age group remains limited, and there's a lack of safety data," he said. "It is