Preparation for El Nino urged in agriculture

A guide to help local authorities cope with the impact of the El Nino weather phenomenon was released by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs on Friday.

It outlines scientific measures to prevent and reduce possible damage to crops during winter and spring.

According to the ministry, many regions in China are expected to experience frequent extreme weather events due to the combined impact of a moderate El Nino and global climate change.

It is important to effectively alleviate the impact of the disasters on crops to ensure a summer harvest, the ministry said.

The guide outlines the various types of natural disasters that crops in different regions may encounter, such as damage from freezing conditions, and provides targeted advice for disaster prevention, mitigation and relief.

For example, for winter wheat in northern China that may suffer from drought, it suggests early inspection and maintenance of irrigation systems.

If drought occurs, limited water resources can be used for concentrated irrigation to ensure the survival of seedlings, it says.

The guide also requires local authorities to strengthen monitoring and early warnings of disasters, prepare enough agricultural material and equipment, and pool efforts to prevent and alleviate disasters.

Mask-wearing guideline issued by authority

The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention released a latest guideline on the effective wearing of masks on Saturday in response to a recent wave of respiratory illnesses.

It specifies scenarios for mandatory mask-wearing and recommended wearing.

It said mask-wearing is not recommended during physical exercise, in outdoor places such as open squares and parks, and for children age three and below.

Respiratory infectious disease patients or symptomatic individuals are advised to wear N95 or KN95 particle protective masks (without exhalation valves) or medical protective masks, it said.

China marks 60 years of overseas medical aid

China has dispatched over 30,000 medical personnel to 76 countries and regions across the world over the past six decades, a National Health Commission official said on Friday.

He Zhaohua told a news conference that over the period, Chinese medical workers treated nearly 300 million patients and provided medical training for more than 100,000 local personnel.

China's overseas medical aid teams also helped bridge thousands of medical gaps in many host countries, He said, adding that more than 2,000 Chinese doctors have received national-level awards from host countries.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of China sending its first overseas medical team to Algeria. More than 50 Chinese medical workers have died while on foreign aid missions since then.