Editor's note: Liu Chunsheng is an associate professor at the Central University of Finance and Economics in China as well as deputy dean of Blue Source Capital Research Institute. The article reflects the author's opinion, and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

Before the Spring Festival of 2020, an unknown coronavirus quietly descended on Wuhan and quickly caused a disease pandemic in China. Sudden external shocks, deep-seated contradictions in development, and fragile social management institutions are intertwined. These factors have rapidly evolved into a public health emergency that threatens social stability in China. China has once again faced severe tests in terms of its management system, information disclosure, comprehensive coordination and international cooperation.

In spite of China's quick response to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, it has exposed the shortage of abnormality management functions in the administrative system of many large cities, especially transportation hubs, in China. 

The novel coronavirus has gradually evolved from a public health event to a compound crisis that affects various aspects such as the economy, social stability and international image, and requires a comprehensive response.

As for information disclosure, the principles, regulations, and technical methods for the release of government information have faced serious challenges. The vacuum of authoritative information has led to rumors, causing social panic and serious erosion to the credibility of the government. Some local governments try to lock the information to the domestic area and conceal or misreport case data to higher-level authority.

Due to the high density of the population, it is easy to have an increasing number of people infected with novel coronavirus. China is in the stage of rapid urbanization. Especially the central cities have shown an extraordinary expansion and overpopulation. In order to accommodate such a large population in a limited area, many cities in China have built high buildings. People working and living in such an environment will be highly vulnerable to being infected. 

On the other hand, the rapid movement of the population easily causes a rapid rise of the scope of infection. Data show that at present, novel coronavirus in many provinces is imported. With the arrival of the Spring Festival, a large number of students and staff returned to their hometowns, significantly increasing the risk of virus spreading to the whole country and the peak of the return journey after the holiday will further bring great difficulties to the prevention and control of the virus.

To build up the firewall for novel coronavirus, China has to take dramatic actions to improve the comprehensive emergency coordination.

Some provinces have announced to resume normal production lately, which will be a tough challenge to put the virus outbreak under control. In such conditions, the flow of people should be strictly supervised and reduced. Wearing a mask and washing hands are strongly recommended. Districts, factories and schools should implement enclosed style management. Shifting work load should be encouraged. 

Eliminating unnecessary gatherings is beneficial to cut the spread of the virus. Enterprises, government departments, schools, etc. should resume work and study in batches according to work needs. Emergency departments and necessities providers should be on duty in time and given tax cuts or other preferential measures by governments. 

Schools should encourage online teaching and learning, postpone the start date, and minimize student gatherings. Shopping malls and entertainment centers should be put off to resume business. The transportation department should utilize big data analysis, encourage people to travel on shifting peaks and use private transportation. 

It is necessary to rely on global networks, expert systems and professional databases, and conduct joint operations and policies coordination based on knowledge integration and development.

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