Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol for Novel

Coronavirus Pneumonia
(Trial Version 7)
(Released by National Health Commission & State Administration of
Traditional Chinese Medicine on March 3, 2020)

Since December 2019, multiple cases of novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) have been
identified in Wuhan, Hubei. With the spread of the epidemic, such cases have also been
found in other parts of China and other countries. As an acute respiratory infectious disease,
NCP has been included in Class B infectious diseases prescribed in the Law of the People's
Republic of China on Prevention and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, and managed as an
infectious disease of Class A. By taking a series of preventive control and medical
treatment measures, the rise of the epidemic situation in China has been contained to a
certain extent, and the epidemic situation has eased in most provinces, but the incidence
abroad is on the rise. With increased understanding of the clinical manifestations and
pathology of the disease, and the accumulation of experience in diagnosis and treatment,
in order to further strengthen the early diagnosis and early treatment of the disease, improve
the cure rate, reduce the mortality rate, avoid nosocomial infection as much as possible and
pay attention to the spread caused by the imported cases from overseas, we revised the
Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol for Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia (Trial Version 6) to
Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol for Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia (Trial Version 7).

I. Etiological Characteristics
The novel coronaviruses belong to the β genus. They have envelopes, and the particles are
round or oval, often polymorphic, with diameter being 60 to 140 nm. Their genetic
characteristics are significantly different from SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. Current
research shows that they share more than 85% homology with bat SARS-like coronaviruses
(bat-SL-CoVZC45). When isolated and cultured in vitro, the 2019-nCoV can be found in
human respiratory epithelial cells in about 96 hours, however it takes about 6 days for the
virus to be found if isolated and cultured in Vero E6 and Huh-7 cell lines.
Most of the know-how about the physical and chemical properties of coronavirus comes
from the research on SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. The virus is sensitive to ultraviolet and
heat. Exposure to 56°C for 30 minutes and lipid solvents such as ether, 75% ethanol,
chlorine-containing disinfectant, peracetic acid, and chloroform can effectively inactivate
the virus. Chlorhexidine has not been effective in inactivating the virus.

II. Epidemiological Characteristics

1. Source of infection
Now, the patients infected by the novel coronavirus are the main source of infection;
asymptomatic infected people can also be an infectious source.
2. Route of transmission
Transmission of the virus happens mainly through respiratory droplets and close contact.
There is the possibility of aerosol transmission in a relatively closed environment for a
long-time exposure to high concentrations of aerosol. As the novel coronavirus can be
isolated in feces and urine, attention should be paid to feces or urine contaminated
environmental that leads to aerosol or contact transmission.
3. Susceptible groups
People are generally susceptible.

III. Pathological changes

Pathological findings from limited autopsies and biopsy studies are summarized below:
1. Lungs
Solid changes of varying degrees are present in the lungs.
Alveolar damage involves fibromyxoid exudation and hyaline membrane formation. The
exudates are composed of monocytes and macrophages, with plenty of multinucleated
syncytial cells. Type II alveolar epithelial cells are markedly hyperplastic, some of which
are desquamated. Viral inclusions are observed in type II alveolar epithelial cells and
macrophages. Alveolar interstitium is marked with vascular congestion and edema,
infiltration of monocytes and lymphocytes, and vascular hyaline thrombi. The lungs are
laden with hemorrhagic and necrotic foci, along with evidence of hemorrhagic infarction.
Organization of alveolar exudates and interstitial fibrosis are partly present.
The bronchi are filled with desquamated epithelial cells, mucus and mucus plugs.
Hyperventilated alveoli, interrupted alveolar interstitium and cystic formation are
occasionally seen.
On electron microscopy, cytoplasmic NCP virions are observed in the bronchial epithelium
and type II alveolar epithelium. NCP virus antigen positivity in some alveolar epithelia and
macrophages are revealed through immunohistochemistry staining, which are positive for
NCP virus nucleic acid via RT-PCR.
2. Spleen, hilar lymph nodes and bone marrow
The spleen is evidently shrunk. Lymphocytopenia and focal hemorrhage and necrosis are
present. Macrophagocyte proliferation and phagocytosis are noted in the spleen. Lymph
nodes are found with sparse lymphocytes and occasional necrosis. CD4+ and CD8+ T cells
are present in reduced quantity in the spleen and lymph nodes, revealed by
immunohistochemistry staining. Pancytopenia is identified in bone marrow.
3. Heart and blood vessels
Degenerated or necrosed myocardial cells are present, along with mild infiltration of
monocytes, lymphocytes and/or neutrophils in the cardiac interstitium. Endothelial
desquamation, endovasculitis and thrombi are seen in some blood vessels.
4. Liver and gall bladder
Appearing enlarged and dark-red, the liver is found degenerated with focal necrosis
infiltrated with neutrophils. The liver sinusoids are found hyperemic. The portal areas are
infiltrated with lymphocytes and monocytes and dotted with microthrombi. The gall
bladder is prominently filled.
5. Kidneys
The kidneys are noted with protein exudation in the Bowman’s capsule around glomeruli,
degeneration and desquamation of the epithelial cells of renal tubules, and hyaline casts.
Microthrombi and fibrotic foci are found in the kidney interstitium.
6. Other organs
Cerebral hyperemia and edema are present, with degeneration of some neurons. Necrosis
foci are noted in the adrenal glands. Degeneration, necrosis and desquamation of
epithelium mucosae at varying degrees are present in the esophageal, stomach and intestine.

IV. Clinical Characteristics

1. Clinical manifestations
Based on the current epidemiological investigation, the incubation period is one to 14 days,
mostly three to seven days.
Main manifestations include fever, fatigue and dry cough. Nasal congestion, runny nose,
sore throat, myalgia and diarrhea are found in a few cases. Severe cases mostly developed
dyspnea and/or hypoxemia after one week. In severe cases, patients progress rapidly to
acute respiratory distress syndrome, septic shock, metabolic acidosis that is difficult to
correct, coagulopathy, multiple organ failure and others. It is worth noting that for severe
and critically ill patients, their fever could be moderate to low, or even barely noticeable.
Some children and neonatal cases may have atypical symptoms, manifested as
gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, or only manifested as low spirits
and shortness of breath.
The patients with mild symptoms did not develop pneumonia but only low fever and mild
fatigue.
From current situations, most patients have good prognosis and a small number of patients
are critically ill. The prognosis for the elderly and patients with chronic underlying diseases
is poor. The clinical course of pregnant women with NCP is similar to that of patients of
the same age. Symptoms in children are relatively mild.

2. Laboratory tests
General findings
In the early stages of the disease, peripheral WBC count is normal or decreased and the
lymphocyte count decreases. Some patients see an increase in liver enzymes, lactate
dehydrogenase (LDH), muscle enzymes and myoglobin. Elevated troponin is seen in some
critically ill patients while most patients have elevated C-reactive protein and erythrocyte
sedimentation rate and normal procalcitonin. In severe cases, D-dimer increases and
peripheral blood lymphocytes progressively decrease. Severe and critically ill patients
often have elevated inflammatory factors.
Pathogenic and serological findings
(1) Pathogenic findings: Novel coronavirus nucleic acid can be detected in nasopharyngeal
swabs, sputum, lower respiratory tract secretions, blood, feces and other specimens using
RT-PCR and/or NGS methods. It is more accurate if specimens from lower respiratory
tract (sputum or air tract extraction) are tested. The specimens should be submitted for
testing as soon as possible after collection.
(2) Serological findings: NCP virus specific IgM becomes detectable around 3-5 days after
onset; IgG reaches a titration of at least 4-fold increase during convalescence compared
with the acute phase.

3. Chest imaging
In the early stage, imaging shows multiple small patchy shadows and interstitial changes,
apparent in the outer lateral zone of lungs. As the disease progresses, imaging then shows
multiple ground glass opacities and infiltration in both lungs. In severe cases, pulmonary
consolidation may occur while pleural effusion is rare.

V. Case Definitions
1. Suspect cases
Considering both the following epidemiological history and clinical manifestations:
1.1 Epidemiological history
1.1.1 History of travel to or residence in Wuhan and its surrounding areas, or in other
communities where cases have been reported within 14 days prior to the onset of the
disease;
1.1.2 In contact with novel coronavirus infected people (with positive results for the nucleic
acid test) within 14 days prior to the onset of the disease;
1.1.3 In contact with patients who have fever or respiratory symptoms from Wuhan and its
surrounding area, or from communities where confirmed cases have been reported within
14 days before the onset of the disease; or
1.1.4 Clustered cases (2 or more cases with fever and/or respiratory symptoms in a small
area such families, offices, schools etc within 2 weeks).

1.2 Clinical manifestations

1.2.1 Fever and/or respiratory symptoms;
1.2.2 The aforementioned imaging characteristics of NCP;
1.2.3 Normal or decreased WBC count, normal or decreased lymphocyte count in the early
stage of onset.
A suspect case has any of the epidemiological history plus any two clinical manifestations
or all three clinical manifestations if there is no clear epidemiological history.

2. Confirmed cases
Suspect cases with one of the following etiological or serological evidences:
2.1 Real-time fluorescent RT-PCR indicates positive for new coronavirus nucleic acid;
2.2 Viral gene sequence is highly homologous to known new coronaviruses.
2.3 NCP virus specific Ig M and IgG are detectable in serum; NCP virus specific IgG is
detectable or reaches a titration of at least 4-fold increase during convalescence compared
with the acute phase.

VI. Clinical Classification

1. Mild cases
The clinical symptoms were mild, and there was no sign of pneumonia on imaging.
2. Moderate cases
Showing fever and respiratory symptoms with radiological findings of pneumonia.
3. Severe cases
Adult cases meeting any of the following criteria:
(1) Respiratory distress (≧30 breaths/ min);
(2) Oxygen saturation≤93% at rest;
(3) Arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2)/ fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) ≦
300mmHg (l mmHg=0.133kPa).
In high-altitude areas (at an altitude of over 1,000 meters above the sea level), PaO2/ FiO2
shall be corrected by the following formula:
PaO2/ FiO2 x[Atmospheric pressure (mmHg)/760]
Cases with chest imaging that showed obvious lesion progression within 24-48 hours >50%
shall be managed as severe cases.
Child cases meeting any of the following criteria:
(1) Tachypnea (RR ≥ 60 breaths/min for infants aged below 2 months; RR ≥ 50 BPM for
infants aged 2-12 months; RR ≥ 40 BPM for children aged 1-5 years, and RR ≥ 30 BPM
for children above 5 years old) independent of fever and crying;
(2) Oxygen saturation ≤ 92% on finger pulse oximeter taken at rest;
(3) Labored breathing (moaning, nasal fluttering, and infrasternal, supraclavicular and
intercostal retraction), cyanosis, and intermittent apnea;
(4) Lethargy and convulsion;
(5) Difficulty feeding and signs of dehydration.

4. Critical cases
Cases meeting any of the following criteria:
4.1 Respiratory failure and requiring mechanical ventilation;
4.2 Shock;
4.3 With other organ failure that requires ICU care.

VII. Clinical early warning indicators of severe and critical cases

1. Adults.
1.1 The peripheral blood lymphocytes decrease progressively;
1.2 Peripheral blood inflammatory factors, such as IL-6 and C-reactive proteins, increase
progressively;
1.3 Lactate increases progressively;
1.4 Lung lesions develop rapidly in a short period of time.

2. Children.
2.1 Respiratory rate increased;
2.2 Poor mental reaction and drowsiness;
2.3 Lactate increases progressively;
2.4 Imaging shows infiltration on both sides or multiple lobes, pleural effusion or rapid
progress of lesions in a short period of time;
2.5 Infants under the age of 3 months who have either underlying diseases (congenital heart
disease, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, respiratory tract deformity, abnormal hemoglobin,
and severe malnutrition, etc.) or immune deficiency or hypofunction (long-term use of
immunosuppressants).

VIII. Differential Diagnosis

1. The mild manifestations of NCP need to be distinguished from upper respiratory tract
infections caused by other viruses.
2. NCP is mainly distinguished from other known viral pneumonia and mycoplasma
pneumoniae infections such as influenza virus, adenovirus and respiratory syncytial virus.
Especially for suspect cases, methods such as rapid antigen detection and multiplex PCR
nucleic acid detection should be adopted as much as possible for detection of common
respiratory pathogens.
3. It should also be distinguished from non-infectious diseases such as vasculitis,
dermatomyositis and organizing pneumonia.

IX. Case Finding and Reporting

Health professionals in medical institutions of all types and at all levels, upon discovering
suspect cases that meet the definition, should immediately put them in single room for
isolation and treatment. If the cases are still considered as suspected after consultation
made by hospital experts or attending physicians, it should be reported directly online
within 2 hours; samples should be collected for new coronavirus nucleic acid testing and
suspect cases should be safely transferred to the designated hospitals immediately. People
who have been in close contact with patients who have been confirmed of new coronavirus
infection are advised to perform new coronavirus pathogenic testing in a timely manner,
even though common respiratory pathogens are tested positive.
If two nucleic acid tests, taken at least 24-hour apart, of a NCP suspect case are negative,
and the NCP virus specific IgM and IgG are negative after 7 days from onset, the suspect
diagnosis can be ruled out.

X. Treatment
1. Treatment venue determined by the severity of the disease
1.1 Suspected and confirmed cases should be isolated and treated at designated hospitals
with effective isolation, protection and prevention conditions in place. A suspect case
should be treated in isolation in a single room. Confirmed cases can be treated in the same
room.
1.2 Critical cases should be admitted to ICU as soon as possible.

2. General treatment
2.1 Letting patients rest in bed and strengthening support therapy; ensuring sufficient
caloric intake for patients; monitoring their water and electrolyte balance to maintain
internal environment stability; closely monitoring vital signs and oxygen saturation.
2.2 According to patients’ conditions, monitoring blood routine result, urine routine result,
c-reactive protein (CRP), biochemical indicators (liver enzyme, myocardial enzyme, renal
function etc.), coagulation function, arterial blood gas analysis, chest imaging and
cytokines detection if necessary.
2.3 Timely providing effective oxygen therapy, including nasal catheter and mask
oxygenation and nasal high-flow oxygen therapy. If possible, inhalation of mixed hydrogen
and oxygen (H2/O2: 66.6%/33.3%) can be applied.
2.4 Antiviral therapy: Hospitals can try Alpha-interferon (5 million U or equivalent dose
each time for adults, adding 2ml of sterilized water, atomization inhalation twice daily),
lopinavir/ritonavir (200 mg/50mg per pill for adults, two pills each time, twice daily, no
longer than 10 days), Ribavirin (suggested to be used jointly with interferon or
lopinavir/ritonavir, 500 mg each time for adults, twice or three times of intravenous
injection daily, no longer than 10 days), chloroquine phosphate (500 mg bid for 7 days for
adults aged 18-65 with body weight over 50 kg; 500 mg bid for Days 1&2 and 500 mg qd
for Days 3-7 for adults with body weight below 50 kg), Arbidol (200 mg tid for adults, no
longer than 10 days). Be aware of the adverse reactions, contraindications (for example,
chloroquine cannot be used for patients with heart diseases) and interactions of the above-
mentioned drugs. Further evaluate the efficacy of those drugs currently being used. Using
three or more antiviral drugs at the same time is not recommend; if an intolerable toxic side
effect occurs, the respective drug should be discontinued. For the treatment of pregnant
women, issues such as the number of gestational weeks, choice of drugs having the least
impact on the fetus, as well as whether pregnancy being terminated before treatment should
be considered with patients being informed of these considerations.
2.5 Antibiotic drug treatment: Blind or inappropriate use of antibiotic drugs should be
avoided, especially in combination with broad-spectrum antibiotics.

3. Treatment of severe and critical cases

3.1 Treatment principle: On the basis of symptomatic treatment, complications should be
proactively prevented, underlying diseases should be treated, secondary infections also be
prevented, and organ function support should be provided timely.
3.2 Respiratory support:
3.2.1 Oxygen therapy: Patients with severe symptoms should receive nasal cannulas or
masks for oxygen inhalation and timely assessment of respiratory distress and/or
hypoxemia should be performed.
3.2.2 High-flow nasal-catheter oxygenation or noninvasive mechanical ventilation: When
respiratory distress and/or hypoxemia of the patient cannot be alleviated after receiving
standard oxygen therapy, high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy or non-invasive
ventilation can be considered. If conditions do not improve or even get worse within a short
time (1-2 hours), tracheal intubation and invasive mechanical ventilation should be used in
a timely manner.
3.2.3 Invasive mechanical ventilation: Lung protective ventilation strategy, namely low
tidal volume (6-8ml/kg of ideal body weight) and low level of airway platform pressure
(<30cmH2O) should be used to perform mechanical ventilation to reduce ventilator-related
lung injury. While the airway platform pressure maintained ≤30cmH2O, high PEEP can
be used to keep the airway warm and moist; avoid long sedation and wake the patient early
for lung rehabilitation. There are many cases of human-machine asynchronization,
therefore sedation and muscle relaxants should be used in a timely manner. Use closed
sputum suction according to the airway secretion, if necessary, administer appropriate
treatment based on bronchoscopy findings.
3.2.4 Rescue therapy: Pulmonary re-tensioning is recommended for patients with severe
ARDS. With sufficient human resources, prone position ventilation should be performed
for more than 12 hours per day. If the outcome of prone position ventilation is poor,
extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) should be considered as soon as possible.
Indications include: ①When Fi02＞90%, the oxygenation index is less than 80mmHg for
more than 3-4 hours; ②For patients with only respiratory failure when the airway platform
pressure ≥ 35cmH2O, VV-ECMO mode is preferred; if circulatory support is needed, VA-
ECMO mode should be used. When underlying diseases are under control and the
cardiopulmonary function shows signs of recovery, withdrawal of ECMO can be tried.
3.3 Circulatory support: On the basis of adequate fluid resuscitation, efforts should be made
to improve microcirculation, use vasoactive drugs, closely monitor changes in blood
pressure, heart rate and urine volume as well as lactate and base excess in arterial blood
gas analysis. If necessary, use non-invasive or invasive hemodynamic monitor such as
Doppler ultrasound, echocardiography, invasive blood pressure or continuous cardiac
output (PiCCO) monitoring. In the process of treatment, pay attention to the liquid balance
strategy to avoid excessive or insufficient fluid intake.
If the heart rate suddenly increases more than 20% of the basic value or the decrease
of blood pressure is more than 20% of the basic value with manifestations of poor skin
perfusion and decreased urine volume, make sure to closely observe whether the patient
has septic shock, gastrointestinal hemorrhage or heart failure.

3.4 Renal failure and renal replacement therapy: Active efforts should be made to look
for causes for renal function damage in critical cases such as low perfusion and drugs.
For the treatment of patients with renal failure, focus should be on the balance of body
fluid, acid and base and electrolyte balance, as well as on nutrition support including
nitrogen balance and the supplementation of energies and trace elements. For critical
cases, continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) can be used. The indications
include: ① hyperkalemia; ② acidosis; ③ pulmonary edema or water overload; ④
fluid management in multiple organ dysfunction.
3.5 Convalescent plasma treatment: It is suitable for patients with rapid disease progression,
severe and critically ill patients. Usage and dosage should refer to Protocol of Clinical
Treatment with Convalescent Plasma for NCP Patients (2nd trial version).
3.6 Blood purification treatment: Blood purification system including plasma exchange,
absorption, perfusion and blood/plasma filtration can remove inflammatory factors and
block "cytokine storm", so as to reduce the damage of inflammatory reactions to the body.
It can be used for the treatment of severe and critical cases in the early and middle stages
of cytokine storm.
3.7 Immunotherapy: For patients with extensive lung lesions and severe cases who also
show an increased level of IL-6 in laboratory testing, Tocilizumab can be used for treatment.
The initial dose is 4-8mg/kg with the recommended dose of 400mg diluted with 0.9%
normal saline to 100ml. The infusion time should be more than 1 hour. If the initial
medication is not effective, one extra administration can be given after 12 hours (same dose
as before). No more than two administrations should be given with the maximum single
dose no more than 800mg. Watch out for allergic reactions. Administration is forbidden
for people with active infections such as tuberculosis.
3.8 Other therapeutic measures
For patients with progressive deterioration of oxygenation indicators, rapid progress in
imaging and excessive activation of the body's inflammatory response, glucocorticoids can
be used in a short period of time (three to five days). It is recommended that dose should
not exceed the equivalent of methylprednisolone 1-2 mg/kg/day. Note that a larger dose of
glucocorticoid will delay the removal of coronavirus due to immunosuppressive effects.
Xuebijing 100ml/time can be administered intravenously twice a day. Intestinal
microecological regulators can be used to maintain intestinal microecological balance and
prevent secondary bacterial infections.
Child severe and critical cases can be given intravenous infusion of γ-globulin.
For pregnant severe and critical cases, pregnancy should be terminated preferably with c-
section.
Patients often suffer from anxiety and fear and they should be supported by psychological
counseling.

4. Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment

This disease belongs to the category of plague in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM),
caused by the epidemic pathogenic factors. According to the different local climate
characteristic and individual state of illness and physical conditions, the following
treatment Protocol may vary. The use of over-pharmacopoeia doses should be directed by
a physician.
4.1 During medical observation
Clinical manifestation 1: fatigue and gastrointestinal discomfort
Recommended Chinese patent medicine: Huoxiang Zhengqi capsules (pills, liquid, or oral
solution)
Clinical manifestation 2: fatigue and fever
Recommended Chinese patent medicine: Jinhua Qinggan granules, Lianhua Qingwen
capsules (granules), Shufeng Jiedu capsules (granules), Fangfeng Tongsheng pills
(granules)

4.2 During clinical treatment (confirmed cases)

4.2.1 Lung cleansing & detoxifying decoction
Scope of application: It is suitable for light, moderate and severe patients, and can be
used reasonably in combination with the actual situation of patients in the treatment of
critically ill patients.
Recommended prescription: Ephedra 9g, Zhigancao 6g, Almond 9g, Gypsum 15-30g
(fried first), Guizhi 9g, Zixie 9g, Zhuling 9g, Baizhu 9g, Zhiling 15g, Bupleurum 16g,
Scutellaria baicalensis 6g, and Pinellia 9g , Ginger 9g, aster 9g, winter flower 9g, shoot
dry 9g, asarum 6g, yam 12g, coriander fruit 6g, tangerine peel 6g, aquilegia 9g.
Suggested use: Traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces for decocting in water.
One dose per day, twice in the morning and evening (forty minutes after a meal), take
with warm water, and three doses a course.
If conditions permit, the patient can take half a bowl of rice soup each time after taking
the medicine, and can take up to one bowl if the patient has a dry tongue and is deficient
in bodily fluids. (Note: If the patient does not have a fever, the amount of gypsum should
be little. If having a fever or strong heat, the amount of gypsum can be increased). If the
symptoms improve but do not fully recover, then take the second course of treatment. If
the patient has special conditions or other underlying diseases, the prescription of the
second course of treatment can be modified based on the actual situation and the
medicine should be discontinued when the symptoms disappear.
Source of prescription: Notice on Recommending the Use of ‘Lung cleansing &
detoxifying decoction’ in Treatment of NCP by Integrated Traditional Chinese and
Western Medicine by the Office of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese
Medicine & the General Office of the National Health Commission. (2022 No.22)

4.2.2 Mild cases

4.2.2.1 Cold dampness and stagnation lung syndrome
Clinical manifestations: fever, fatigue, sore body, cough, expectoration, chest tightness,
suffocation, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, sticky stools. Tongue has thin fat tooth
mark or is faint red, and the coating is white thick rot or white greasy and the pulse is
moisten or slippery.
Recommended prescription: Raw ephedra 6g, raw gypsum 15g, almond 9g, loquat 15g,
gardenia 15g, Guanzhong 9g, Dilong 15g, Xu Changqing 15g, Huoxiang 15g, Peilan 9g,
Cangzhu 15g, Yunling 45g, Atractylodes 30g, Jiao Sanxian 9g each , Magnolia officinalis
15g, betel coconut 9g, yarrow fruit 9g, ginger 15g.
Suggested use: one dose daily, boiled with 600ml water, take it three times at morning,
noon and evening before meal.

4.2.2.2 Dampness and heat-accumulation lung syndrome

Clinical manifestations: low or no fever, slight chills, fatigue, heavy head and body,
muscle soreness, dry cough, low phlegm, sore throat, dry mouth, do not want to drink
more, or accompanied by chest tightness, no sweat or sweating, Or vomiting and loss of
appetite, diarrhea or sticky stool. The tongue is reddish, and the coating is white, thick and
greasy or thin yellow, and the pulse is slippery or sloppy.
Recommended prescription: Betel nut 10g, apple 10g, Magnolia 10g, Zhimu 10g,
scutellaria baicalensis 10g, Bupleurum 10g, red peony 10g, forsythia 15g, artemisia annua
10g (decocted later), 10g of green leaves, 10g of green leaves, 5g of raw licorice.
Suggested use: one dose daily, boiled with 400ml water, take it twice at morning and
evening.

4.2.3 Moderate cases

4.2.3.1 Dampness and stagnation lung syndrome
Clinical manifestations: fever, low cough and sputum, or yellow sputum, suffocation,
shortness of breath, bloating, and constipation. The tongue is dark red and fat; the coating
is greasy or yellow and the pulse is slippery or stringy.
Recommended prescription: raw ephedra 6g, bitter almond 15g, raw gypsum 30g, raw
coix seed 30g, grass root 10g, patchouli 15g, artemisia annua 12g, Polygonum cuspidatum
20g, verbena 30g, dried reed root 30g, gardenia 15g 15g of orange red, 10g of raw licorice.
Suggested use: one dose daily, boiled with 400ml water, take it twice at morning and
evening.
4.2.3.2 Cold dampness lung syndrome
Clinical manifestations: low fever, low body temperature, or no heat, dry cough, low
sputum, fatigue, chest tightness, nausea, or nausea. The tongue is pale or red, and the
coating is white or greasy, and the veins are pulsating.
Recommended prescription: Atractylodes lancea 15g, Chenpi 10g, Magnolia 10g,
Aquilegia 10g, grass fruit 6g, raw ephedra 6g, Zhihuo 10g, ginger 10g, betel nut 10g.
Suggested use: one dose daily, boiled with 400ml water, take it twice at morning and
evening.

4.2.4 Severe cases

4.2.4.1 Plague poison and lung-closing syndrome
Clinical manifestations: fever, flushing, cough, yellowish phlegm, or blood in sputum,
wheezing, shortness of breath, tiredness, fatigue, dryness and stickiness, nausea, food loss,
poor stool, and short urination. Red tongue, yellow greasy coating, slippery pulses.
Recommended prescription: Raw ephedra 6g, almond 9g, raw gypsum 15g, licorice 3g,
fragrant fragrant 10g (back), Magnolia 10g, atractylodes 15g, grass fruit 10g, pinellia 9g,
Poria 15g, raw rhubarb 5g (back) 10g, gardenia 10g, red peony 10g.
Suggested use: one or two doses daily, boiled with 100-200ml water, take it 2-4 times, oral
or nasal feeding.

4.2.4.2 Syndrome of flaring heat in qifen and yingfen

Clinical manifestations: Hot fever, thirst, shortness of breath, shortness of breath, blurred
vision, or spotted rash, or vomiting blood, bleeding, or convulsions in the limbs. Tongue
ridges have few or no moss, and the pulse sinks finely, or floats large and counts.
Recommended prescription: 30-60g gypsum (fried first), 30g of Zhimu, 30-60g of raw land,
30g of buffalo horn (fried first), 30g of red sage, 30g of black ginseng, 15g of forsythia,
15g of paeonia, 6g of peony 12g, gardenia 15g, raw licorice 6g.
Suggested use: 1 dose per day, decoction, first decoct gypsum and buffalo horn, then apply
other pieces, 100ml-200ml each time, 2-4 times a day, orally or nasally.
Recommended Chinese patent medicines: Xiyanping injection, Xuebijing injection,
Reduning injection, Tanreqing injection, Xingnaojing injection. Drugs with similar
efficacy can be selected according to individual conditions, or can be used in combination
according to clinical symptoms. Traditional Chinese medicine injection can be used in
combination with traditional Chinese medicine decoction.

4.2.5 Critical cases (syndrome of inner blocking causing collapse)

Clinical manifestations: dyspnea, dyspnea, asthma or need mechanical ventilation, fainting,
irritability, cold sweating, dark purple tongue, thick or dry moss, large floating roots.
Recommended prescription: 15g of ginseng, 10g of Heishun tablets (decoct first), 15g of
dogwood, delivered with Suhexiang Pill or Angong Niuhuang Pill.
For patients on mechanical ventilation with abdominal distention or constipation: 5-10g of
Dahuang. For patients with human-machine asynchronization: 5-10g of Dahuang and 5-
10g of Mangxiao while administering sedatives and muscle relaxants.
Recommended Chinese patent medicines: Xuebijing injection, Reduning injection,
Tanreqing injection, Xingnaojing injection, Shenfu injection, Shengmai injection, Shenmai
injection. Drugs with similar efficacy can be selected according to individual conditions,
or can be used in combination according to clinical symptoms. Traditional Chinese
medicine injection can be used in combination with traditional Chinese medicine decoction.

Note: Recommended usage of Chinese medicine injections for severe and critical cases
The use of traditional Chinese medicine injections follows the principle of starting from a
small dose and gradually adjusting the dosage according to the instructions of the drug.
The recommended usage is as follows:
Viral infection or combined mild bacterial infection: 0.9% sodium chloride injection 250ml
plus Xiyanping injection 100mg bid, or 0.9% sodium chloride injection 250ml heated
Duning injection 20ml, or 0.9% sodium chloride injection 250ml plus Tanreqing injection
40ml bid.
High fever with disturbance of consciousness: 250ml of 0.9% sodium chloride injection
and 20ml bid of Xingnaojing injection.
Systemic inflammatory response syndrome or/and multiple organ failure: 250ml of 0.9%
sodium chloride injection and 100ml of Xuebijing injection.
Immunosuppression: 250ml of 0.9% sodium chloride injection and 100ml bid of Shenmai
injection.
Shock: 250ml of 0.9% sodium chloride injection plus 100ml bid of Shenfu injection.

4.2.6 Convalescent period

4.2.6.1 Lung and spleen qi deficiency syndrome
Clinical manifestations: shortness of breath, fatigue, fatigue, anorexia, nausea, fullness,
weak stool, and uneasiness. The tongue is pale and greasy.
Recommended prescription: French Pinellia 9g, Chenpi 10g, Codonopsis 15g, Sunburn
Astragalus 30g, Stir-fried Atractylodes 10g, Poria 15g, Huoxiang 10g, Amomum villosum
6g (later), and Licorice 6g
Suggested use: 1 dose per day, boiled with 400ml of water, twice a day at morning and
evening.

4.2.6.2 Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome

Clinical manifestations: Fatigue, shortness of breath, dry mouth, thirst, palpitations,
sweating, poor appetite, low or no lever, dry cough and little sputum; dry tongue, fine or
weak pulses.
Recommended prescription: North and south radix salviae 10g, 15g ophiopogonis, 6g
American ginseng, 6g schisandra, 6g gypsum l5g, 10g light bamboo leaves, 10g mulberry
leaves, 15g reed root, 15g salviae miltiorrhiza, 6g raw liquorice.
Suggested use: 1 dose per day, boiled with 400ml of water, twice a day at morning and
evening.

XI. Discharge criteria and after-discharge considerations

1.Discharge criteria
1) Body temperature is back to normal for more than three days;
2) Respiratory symptoms improve obviously;
3) Pulmonary imaging shows obvious absorption of inflammation,
4) Nuclei acid tests negative twice consecutively on respiratory tract samples such as
sputum and nasopharyngeal swabs (sampling interval being at least 24 hours).
Those who meet the above criteria can be discharged.

2. After-discharge considerations
2.1 The designated hospitals should contact the primary healthcare facilities where the
patients live and share patients’ medical record, to send the information of the discharged
patients to the community committee and primary healthcare facility where the patients
reside.
2.2. After discharge, it is recommended for patients to monitor their own health status in
isolation for 14 days, wear a mask, live in well-ventilated single room if possible, reduce
close contact with family members, separate dinning, practice hand hygiene and avoid
going out.
2.3 It is recommended for the patients to return to the hospitals for follow-up and re-visit
in two and four weeks after discharge.

XII. Patients Transportation Principles

Patients should be transported in accordance with the Work Protocol for Transfer of the
Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia Patients (Trial Version) issued by the National Health
Commission.

XIII. Nosocomial Infection Prevention and Control

Measures to prevent and control nosocomial infection should be implemented in
accordance with the requirements of the Technical Guidelines for the Prevention and
Control of Infection by the Novel Coronavirus in Medical Institutions (First Edition) and
the Guidelines on the Usage of Common Medical Protective Equipment against Novel
Coronavirus Infection (Trial Version) formulated by the National Health Commission.

The General Office of National Health Commission

Office of State TCM Administration

Printed and distributed on March 3, 2020