Officials from China’s State Council stressed the research and production of a COVID-19 vaccine, and regular control of the pandemic.

During an inspection trip to related enterprises, the liaison group of the State Council joint prevention and control mechanism against COVID-19 checked facilities and technological process at research laboratories and production workshops, to learn more about the vaccine study.

The group was led by Ding Xiangyang, deputy secretary-general of the State Council, and Yu Xuejun, deputy head of the National Health Commission. A panel was also held with departments and enterprises in Hubei province.

The group stressed the importance of scientific technology and innovation as the most powerful weapons against disease.

The epidemic has not yet been contained overseas, and cluster outbreaks are happening occasionally at home, the officials said. However, the economy and society, as dynamic systems, cannot be halted for too long, they added.

Given the circumstance, a vaccine will be the most economical, direct and effective method and ultimate key to defeating the virus, according to the group. They urged governments, enterprises, hospitals and scientific research institutes to work together to speed up the vaccine R&D, and prepare for the regular control phase.

According to the group, related departments and Hubei provincial government should proactively coordinate with enterprises to bring the vaccine to the market as soon as possible.

It is an assurance for the people and resumption of work and production, and will support a safe and effective supply of public products to the world for a final victory against the virus.