BEIJING — China has not reported any COVID-19 infection in its nearly 40,000 eldercare service institutions since the epidemic eased in Wuhan, the Ministry of Civil Affairs said on Jan 20.

No confirmed or suspected COVID-19 case has been reported in eldercare service institutions in areas affected by recent resurgence of the virus, Li Banghua, deputy director of the ministry's elderly service bureau, said at a press conference.

Strengthened measures like "enclosed management" and suspension of visits have been implemented in eldercare institutions and facilities, Li added.

Temperature checks and nucleic acid tests were required to be conducted regularly on both residents and staff, said Li, adding that precautions have been taken to prevent accidents of any kind.

Small events during festivals and online visits were encouraged to make the elderly happy, Li said.