BEIJING -- Chinese health officials have stressed the sound implementation of measures to manage COVID-19 as a Class B infectious disease, after the World Health Organization said the pandemic no longer constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

At present, the virus is still mutating, and there are sporadic new cases appearing in some localities in China, indicating that the risk of the disease still exists, said Mi Feng, spokesperson with the National Health Commission, at a press conference Monday.

Liu Qing, an official with the national administration of disease prevention and control, underlined the implementation of Class B management in a scientific, targeted and concrete manner, as well as improving and adjusting relevant prevention and control measures in accordance with the evolving situation and practical needs.

Liu said a large-scale outbreak of the disease in a particular locality in China seems unlikely for the time being.

Officials at the press conference also stressed efforts to closely monitor the virus, enhance epidemic prevention and control at key venues and for key groups, as well as strengthening vaccination work.