The Ministry of Education has tightened epidemic control and prevention measures to provide students and teachers a safer study and working environment.

Liu Peijun, the ministry's vice-director of the Sports, Healthcare and Arts Department, told a news conference on Friday that the ministry has tasked schools and universities with enhancing supervision over key areas such as canteens, dormitories and hospitals to normalize epidemic prevention work.

He said that it's important to improve health education among students and teachers to help protect them.

"Regular random nucleic acid test is also necessary, as well as sufficient reserves of prevention supplies," he said. "Schools and universities must improve their emergency response."

He said that whenever an outbreak occurs in surrounding areas, schools should arrange nucleic acid testing, mandate quarantines and transfer infected students as soon as possible to prevent outbreaks on campuses.

He said that supplies, such as daily necessities and prevention supplies, should be stockpiled to secure the study and working environment for students and teachers.

"We also make efforts to improve health services for students and teachers. We are focusing on improving the condition of school clinics and hospitals, and the training of medical staff," he said. "Universities must set up observation areas and buffer zones and establish connections with designated hospitals to provide medical services to students and teachers."