China has detected the novel coronavirus strain that was found in India in some Chinese cities, and the implementation of preventive measures is the key to stop the transmission, Wu Zunyou, chief epidemiologist with the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said at a press conference on Thursday.

The surge in COVID-19 cases in some Asian countries has again sounded the alarm that the prevention and control of COVID-19 is far from over, which, instead, is difficult, complex, recurrent and long-term, said Wu.

The expert also pointed out that the mutation of the novel coronavirus has been occurring since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and will not stop as long as the pandemic continues.

But the transmission of different virus variants can be stopped, Wu said. "Implementing containment measures is crucial both to stop the spread of the mutant strains and to prevent the occurrence of new mutations."

He also stressed the importance of normalizing epidemic prevention and control measures as China's Labor Day holiday nears, and cautioned everyone to continue practicing personal protective measures.