On July 17, one locally transmitted case of Covid-19 was confirmed and registered in the Lianyungang city of Jiangsu province.

Two symptomless cases (one in Wuxi and one in Lianyungang) were newly reported in the province.

Another hospitalized Covid-19 patient was discharged, while 61 asymptomatic carriers (57 local and four inbound) were released from medical observation.

Forty-one confirmed cases (35 local and six inbound) are still undergoing treatment at designated hospitals, while 323 asymptomatic carriers (317 local and six inbound) are currently under medical observation in isolation.

As of this update, China's list of virus transmission zones stands at 395 high-risk and 664 medium-risk areas.

Experts noted that the Omicron variant of the coronavirus � with increased transmissibility, a shorter incubation period, and higher rates of asymptomatic transmission � has imposed a new challenge for epidemic controls. It is necessary to continue practicing personal protective measures during all transmission scenarios and keep up with relevant information from official sources. Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel abroad or trips to areas with medium- or high-risk status or places with confirmed local cases.