The current epidemic control measures against COVID-19 in China have won a lot of time to produce enough vaccines and inoculate people, he told news outlet ifeng.

If the vaccination rate can reach more than 85 percent in early 2022, there will be few infections and none of those infected would be in serious condition or die. Besides, the virulence of the coronavirus is also decreasing, according to Gao.

“By that time, why shouldn’t we open up?” he said.

When the prevalence and fatality rate of COVID-19 are more like that of the flu, and it seems it would co-exist with humans, the efforts to root out the virus will be a protracted war, he said. “In that case, we should continue to vaccinate more people, develop new vaccines, and especially, produce effective drugs.”

He added since it’s still possible for vaccinated people to get infected, it’s important for everyone to keep wearing masks, maintain social distancing and wash their hands frequently.