China national report on COVID-19 pandemic and the role of social work

ABSTRACT The outbreak of COVID-19 posed an immediate and serious challenge to Chinese society. This article reviews the overall situation of the COVID-19 pandemic in Mainland China, introduces the anti-pandemic intervention process and multi-level measures and regulations implemented by the state, and discusses the crucial responsibilities and roles that China’s social workers assumed to help address the great challenges and emerging needs caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. During lockdown, mainly based on an innovative online service platform, social work scholars, educators and practitioners not only provided immediate services and interventions for the general population and vulnerable groups but also offered professional training and service guidance to frontline workers in the fight against COVID-19 through research, education and services. The significant intervention of the social work profession in the public health crisis should be further recognised and promoted in Mainland China.