Zhong Nanshan, academician from the Chinese Academy of Engineering, said he believes humans are always smarter than viruses.

"The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is unpredictable, but humans have survived all kinds of difficulties and dangers since primitive times," Zhong said at a symposium in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, on July 10 on the shooting of a new film themed on the fight against COVID-19.

"In modern times, we have advanced medical technology and social management measures. Moreover, medical workers and even ordinary people all over the world have gained basic knowledge on the scientific response to COVID-19, which means people are less passive than before," added Zhong.

Zhong also noted that attention should be paid to two aspects in the future. One is to learn how to strengthen worldwide cooperation, and the other is to focus on easing people's minds.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has not been effectively alleviated yet, which has greater impacts on people psychologically than physically. We currently need methods to provide more psychological counselling," said Zhong.

People who attended the symposium in Guangzhou, Guangdong province on July 10 on the shooting of a new film themed on the fight against COVID-19 pose for a group photo. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]