In order to implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important speech given on 23 February, in which he summarised the control and prevention of COVID-19 and gave an in-depth analysis of the impacts of the epidemic on the economy and society from the perspective of overall situations in China, as well as the need to strengthen the publicity and education of scientific prevention and control of COVID-19 within the system of the Open University of China (OUC).

On 24 February, the OUC invited Professor Zheng Gelin, a researcher from the Research Centre for Development of TCM of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and deputy chairperson of the China Association for the Research and Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine, to give a live online lecture themed “Understanding COVID-19 in a Scientific Way: Do Not Underestimate, Do Not Panic” in order to help the public learn about COVID-19 in a scientific way and deal with epidemic prevention and control appropriately. Ye Zhihong, director of the OUC Academic Affairs Department, hosted the lecture.

Firstly, Professor Zheng Gelin provided a general introduction to COVID-19, including its origin, development, current state, and characteristics. Next, she explained the characteristics of the virus, as well as the similarities and differences between COVID-19 and other infectious agents like SARS and bacteria, offering OUC faculty and students a multi-dimensional understanding of the virus. Professor Zheng then talked about how COVID-19 infected human, as well as its symptoms and diagnostic characteristics. The participants came away with knowledge of scientific methods for disinfection and sterilisation and how to judge whether people infected or not. Finally, she shared ways to enhance one’s immunity from the perspective of TCM, such as “being broad-minded, balancing exercise and rest, moderating your diet, and maintaining regular habits.”

Professor Zheng Gelin’s lecture revealed the attraction of TCM and offered scientific knowledge about the prevention and control of the epidemic, increasing the participants’self-prevention awareness and ability. The lecture guided people to treat COVID-19 scientifically and rationally, and neither underestimate it nor panic. The online teaching of epidemic prevention and control shows that the OUC is undertaking its social responsibility and mission in the battle against the epidemic.

The OUC headquarters, branches, and schools organised for faculty and students to watch the lecture through the Cloud Class and other channels, with a total of about 4,000 people watching and participating the live class.

By OUC Academic Affairs Department