Instructions for Authors
(Updated May 29, 2025)

Contents

   1.0 Criteria for Publication

   2.0 Types of Reports

   2.1 Preplanned Studies

   2.2 Vital Surveillances

   2.3 Outbreak Reports

   2.4 Methods and Applications

   2.5 Review

   2.6 Healthy China

   2.7 Policy Notes

   2.8 Notes from the Field

   2.9 Recommendation

   2.10 Perspectives and Commentary

   2.11 Recollections and Reflections

   2.12 Announcements

 3.0 Formatting Requirements and Author Submission Checklist

 4.0 Clearance

 5.0 Submission, Acceptance, and Scheduling

 6.0 Guidance for Correcting Errors

 7.0 Other Editorial Policies

 8.0 Contact Information

1.0 Criteria for Publication

    Compliance to Standards: The editorialization and publication of the China CDC Weekly (Weekly) is subject to relevant laws, regulations, and policy requirements for the editing and publishing of Chinese scientific journals. It also must follow guidance from the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors.

    Appropriateness: Weekly is intended for readers in the public health community, including public health professionals and administrators, clinicians, researchers, teachers, students, and the news media. It focuses on publishing surveillance data analysis, results of large scale surveys, and research reports to contribute to public health policies and practical implications.

    Originality: In principle, reports should not contain previously published information, guidelines, or recommendations. However, reports can be published in conjunction with other academic journals under written agreements.

    Quality: Surveillance data analysis, surveys, and research reports published by Weekly should be based on accepted scientific methods, should include sufficient data to interpret the public health implications, and should give recommendations for further public health practice.

    Timeliness: Reports should contain the most current data from surveys, surveillance systems, or studies. Reports on in progress or recently completed investigations have higher priority for publication. In principle, data from outbreaks should be reported within 10 months, and data from surveillance systems and other sources should be reported within 3 years.

    Clarity: Reports should adhere to principles of plain language with minimal use of acronyms, initialisms, and other jargon. Any required use of these terms should be fully and clearly written out or explained the first time they appear in the text. All reports have a limit on the number of words, figures, tables, and references.

2.0 Types of Reports

   Twelve types of reports are published in China CDC Weekly: 1) Preplanned Studies, 2) Vital Surveillances, 3) Outbreak Reports, 4) Methods and Applications, 5) Reviews, 6) Healthy China, 7) Policy Notes, 8) Notes from the Field, 9) Recommendation, 10) Perspectives and commentary, 11) Recollections and Reflections, 12) Announcements .

2.1 Preplanned Studies

   Preplanned studies are reports on a national or regional survey or a special study on important public health issues. The recommendations in the report should be able to guide future public health practice. The most prominent feature of Weekly reports is simplicity. These reports are intended only to summarize the analysis and recommendations and not to provide every detail. The 10-reference rule is intended to limit the scope of the report. In principle, preplanned studies should be no longer than 1,400 words and include no more than 10 references and 3 total tables, figures, and/or boxes. In Preplanned Studies, only the Discussion section has a heading; other sections do not have headings.

   2.1.1 Abstract (150–200 words, no references or footnotes)

   The Abstract is similar to both a newspaper lead paragraph (i.e., who, what, when, where, why, and how?) and the abstract of a report in a typical medical journal. It will be deposited as an abstract into online databases (e.g., PubMed, PubMed Central, and Web of Science).

   Include the following components (structured [i.e., labeled]):

• Introduction: what is the problem? why is this worth writing about?

• Methods: brief summary of study design, data source, and statistical analysis

• Results: Key findings (present one or two main results that support the public health message

• Conclusion: conclusion and public health message (state the implications of the findings for public health practice and any call to action or recommendations for prevention and control; for some reports, authors may choose to reference existing consensus recommendations)

   All information in the Abstract should be included in the corresponding section of the body of the report.

   2.1.2 Introduction (no  heading)

   Provide background information on the problem, its public health importance, and the rationale for the work described in the report.

   2.1.3 Methods (no  heading)

   Provide a concise summary of the methods used to conduct the study and analyze the data.

• The components of this section will vary depending on the study. Components should be identified with subheadings and might include sections, such as Study Design, Study Period, Study Population, Population Characteristics, Data Sources, Case Definitions, Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria, Data Collection, Specimen Collection, Laboratory Testing, and Statistical Methods (including modeling techniques, control variables, and α levels for significance tests). Specify response rate where relevant (e.g., for survey data).

• Because methods involved in data collection for ongoing surveillance systems and some other databases might have been previously published, limited text should be devoted to information available elsewhere, with reference to the previous publication.

      List the statistical software used for analysis, with the version and manufacturer in parentheses after the software name, as shown in the following examples:

• SAS software  (version 9.4, SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA) was used to conduct all analyses.

• The best-fitting model was identified using sequential permutation tests in JoinPoint (version 4.7.0.0; National Cancer Institute).

      Specific procedures used for complex modeling (e.g., SAS PROC GENMOD) may be named but are not required.

      Do not name software used for data management.

      2.1.4 Results  (no  heading)

      Include new findings made evident by original analyses conducted by the authors.

      Concisely highlight the major results of the analysis. Content should be organized using appropriate subheadings.

• Epidemiologic studies might describe elements of the descriptive (i.e., time, place, and person) and analytic results, disease trends, exposures, treatments, and outcomes. Appropriate subheadings might include Population Characteristics, Case Characteristics, Laboratory Results, Genetic Testing Results, Univariate Analysis, and Multivariable Analysis.

• Case reports and series should include details on exposure, signs and symptoms, initial diagnosis, laboratory and radiologic findings, treatment, clinical course, and outcome. In reports in which more than one case is described, individual cases should be identified with subheadings (e.g., Case 1, Case 2, and others as appropriate).

      Data highlighted in the text are also generally presented in a table or figure.

      Data referenced in the Discussion section must be included in the Results section.

      2.1.5 Discussion

      Begin by stating the conclusions of the report, interpreting the results, conveying their public health meaning, and placing the results into context by citing comparative or corroborative studies.

      2.1.5.1 Limitations

      Include a labeled Limitations paragraph as the next to last paragraph. Limitations are aspects of the data or analysis that might affect the accuracy or validity of results.

• Begin with “The findings in this report are subject to at least X limitations,” with “X” representing the number of limitations in the paragraph.

• List limitations in paragraph format as “First,” “Second,” “Third,” etc., ending with “Finally” for the last limitation.

• Indicate how each limitation might have affected the results.

      2.1.5.2 Implications for Public Health Practice

      Conclude with labeled Implications for Public Health Practice and any recommendations for prevention and control, including a specific call to action when possible.

• Primary recommendations should be based on the analysis presented in the report.

• If analyses suggest the possible benefit of public health actions that are not reflected in the current national guidance or policy, language that is not policy directive should be used (e.g., “These analyses suggest that doing “X” might help prevent “Y”.).

• Broader public health guidance that is current and related to the report topic (including existing national guidance and other consensus recommendations) may also be cited in this section. The source of the guidance should be described in the report and a reference to the published guidance should be included.

• When appropriate, specific examples of successful public health interventions should be included.

• A statement that more research is needed is not an implication for public health practice. If the report points to specific knowledge gaps that should be addressed to better inform public health practice, these gaps should be described earlier in the Discussion section.

      2.1.6 Other Preplanned Studies Components

      Other Preplanned Studies components that are not included in the word count are listed below with links to formatting guidance.

• Summary box (use a heading for this section)

• Conflicts of interest (use a heading for this section)

• Acknowledgements (optional; use a heading for this section)

• Ethical statement  (use a heading for this section)

• Funding (optional; use a heading for this section)

• Corresponding author

• Author affiliations

• References (≤10; use a heading for this section)

• Footnotes (<10; ≤80 words each)

• Tables, Figures, and Boxes (≤3 total)

• Supplementary Tables and Figures (optional; ≤3 total)

2.2 Vital Surveillances

      Vital Surveillance reports are periodic summaries and analyses of the surveillance data (from last three years) of the diseases, risk factors, and important public health problems. Vital Surveillance reports have a particular format and subject plan, specifically related to one of the fifteen public health issues detailed by Healthy China 2030 (health literacy, healthy diets, fitness habits, tobacco control, mental health, healthy environments, maternal and newborn health, primary and secondary school student health, worker health, senior citizen health, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes, infectious and endemic diseases).

      Vital Surveillance reports have an established format. The format of Vital Signs includes a structured, labeled abstract (≤250 words) which will be deposited into online databases (e.g., PubMed, PubMed Central, and Web of Science) and main text (≤1800 words, not including the abstract) that contains headings for the Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion sections. Authors should check the most recently published Vital Surveillance and adhere to the format of those reports while also adhering to the general principles of Preplanned Studies. For examples, see https://weekly.chinacdc.cn/en/zcustom/currentVolume/1.

      2.2.1 Structured abstract with four subheadings below (≤250 words, no references or footnotes)

• Introduction: background and purpose

• Methods: database, years, respondents, weighting

• Results: only new findings

• Conclusions and Implications for Public Health Practice: include a call to action describing what can be done to address the problem

    2.2.2 Main text (≤1,800 words)

• Introduction: provide background information on the problem, its public health importance, and the rationale for the work described in the report.

• Methods (content is the same as for a Preplanned Studies)

• Results (content is the same as for a Preplanned Studies)

• Discussion (content is the same as for a Preplanned Studies)

• • The Discussion contains conclusions followed by labeled Limitations and Public Health Implications subsections.

  • A Vital Surveillance discussion conclusion must include a call to action describing what can be done by various audiences to address the problem described in the report.

      2.2.3 Other Vital Surveillance Components

      Other components that are not included in the word count are listed below with links to formatting guidance.

• Summary box (use a heading for this section)

• Conflicts of interest (use a heading for this section)

• Acknowledgments (optional; use a heading for this section)

• Ethics statement  (use a heading for this section)

• Funding (optional; use a heading for this section)

• Corresponding author

• Author affiliations

• References (≤20; use a heading for this section)

• Footnotes (<16; ≤80 words each)

• Tables, Figures, and Boxes (≤4 total)

• Supplementary Tables and Figures (optional; ≤3 total)

2.3 Outbreak Reports

   Outbreak Reports are ≤1,400 words total, not including the abstract. Outbreak Reports should generally follow the format of Preplanned studies, with some elements specific to outbreak reporting which are described below. Outbreak Reports generally include labeled Abstract, Investigation and Results, Public Health Response, and Discussion sections. Different formats and section headings can be used depending on the scope of the outbreak, its investigation, and the public health response. For example, separate sections for Epidemiologic Investigation, Environmental Health Investigation, and Laboratory Investigation, might be used to describe different components of the investigation. As much as possible, an Outbreak Report should read like a chronologic narrative and tell the story.

       2.3.1 Structured abstract with four subheadings below (150–200 words, no references or footnotes)

      The Abstract will be deposited as an abstract into online databases (e.g., PubMed, PubMed Central, and Web of Science).

      Include the following components:

• Introduction: One to three sentences establishing the existence of the outbreak or underlying public health problem

• Methods: Statement that an investigation was conducted, when, and by whom

• Results: Most important findings

• Conclusion: Actions taken to stem the outbreak. Statement of the public health implications and actions that should be taken in response to the investigation. For some reports, authors may choose to reference existing consensus recommendations.

      2.3.2 Investigation and Results

      Present the initial investigation and its findings. This might include the following:

• A description of the setting and a statement of how the outbreak came to the attention of health authorities

• A clinical description of the index case or initial cases

• Initial key test results

• Hypothesis generation activities and results

      Summarize the full investigation, including the case definition, case-finding activities, method of investigation, and results. Cases should be counted and described by clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcome, as well as by time, place, and person, if applicable.

      Present the methods and results of any analytic studies (e.g., cohort or case-control studies).

      Provide the results of any relevant microbiologic, genetic, or toxicologic results, and results of any testing of environmental samples

      2.3.3 Public Health Response

      When appropriate, include a labeled Public Health Response section that provides a brief description summarizing any public health interventions taken and the results of the interventions.

      2.3.4 Discussion

      Format is the same as for a Preplanned Studies, except that a Limitations paragraph might not be necessary for an Outbreak Report.

      2.3.5 Other Outbreak Report Components

      Other Outbreak Report components that are not included in the word count are listed below with links to formatting guidance.

• Summary box (use a heading for this section)

• Conflicts of interest (use a heading for this section)

• Acknowledgments (optional; use a heading for this section)

• Ethics statement  (use a heading for this section)

• Funding (optional; use a heading for this section)

• Corresponding author

• Author affiliations

• References (≤10; use a heading for this section)

• Footnotes (<10; ≤80 words each)

• Tables, Figures, and Boxes (≤3 total)

• Supplementary Tables and Figures (optional; ≤3 total)

2.4 Methods and Applications

      Methods and Applications reports include evidence and conclusions of new developments to existing methods regarding one or more public health challenges. These may include novel techniques to sequence emerging infectious diseases, updates to current practices in the diagnosis, treatment, or surveillance of outbreaks, etc. These reports have a particular format, plan, and publishing date and should adhere to the general principles of Preplanned Studies. The editorial board reserves the right to adjust the format on a case-by-case basis.

      The format of Methods and Applications reports includes a structured, labeled abstract (≤250 words) which will be deposited into online databases (e.g., PubMed, PubMed Central, and Web of Science) and main text (≤1800 words, not including the abstract) that contains headings for the Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion sections.

      2.4.1.Structured abstract with four subheadings below (≤250 words, no references or footnotes)

       (≤200 words, no references or footnotes):

• Introduction: Background and purpose.

• Methods: Sampling techniques, equipment/procedures, analytical techniques.

• Results: Only new findings.

• Concussion: Implications for public health practice.

      2.4.2 Introduction

      This section should include the most relevant background information regarding the public health challenge, the current solutions, and the gap that remains to be filled.

      2.4.3 Methods

      Because this category is focused on developments to existing techniques, the methods section should be adequately rich with details on describing what was done and how it was done. The sampling techniques, analytical approach, and statistical methods should be clearly explained.

      2.4.4 Results

      The results are a concise highlighting of the major results of the analysis, especially those relevant to the developments being reported. This section should include all evidence used to support the claims and therefore should include as much related detail as possible. However, the results should not simply include already published analyses, but rather new findings made evident by original analyses conducted by the authors.

      2.4.5 Discussion

      The conclusions and comment should clearly indicate why the findings support the claims and provide context for potential implications and applications for solving public health challenges. Such context would include previously published comparative studies and limitations. A minimum of 2-3 distinct limitations should be included.

      2.4.6 Other Methods and Applications Components

      Other components that are not included in the word count are listed below with links to formatting guidance.

• Conflicts of interest (use a heading for this section)

• Acknowledgments (optional; use a heading for this section)

• Ethics statement  (use a heading for this section)

• Funding (optional; use a heading for this section)

• Corresponding author

• Author affiliations

• References (≤15; use a heading for this section)

• Footnotes (<16; ≤80 words each)

• Tables, Figures, and Boxes (≤4 total)

• Supplementary Tables and Figures (optional; ≤3 total)

2.5 Reviews

      Reviews articles summarize the domestic and international research results of disease prevention and control and express representative views in the field of public health. Reviews includes unstructured abstract and the required text less than 1,800 words, the optimal format and structure are determined by reports and can vary considerably

2.6  Healthy China

      Healthy China publishes and shares China's practice and experience in implementing the “Healthy China 2030 Initiative” and “Healthy China Action Plan (2019–2030)”, including projects, environments, actions, strategies, and appropriate technologies. The required text should not exceed 1800 words.

2.7 Policy Notes

      Policy Notes are mainly for the brief interpretation of the latest public health policies and technical documents. These reports can include Recommendations and Guidelines. Maximum word count at submission is 1,400 words. Up to three tables, figures, or boxes may be included. Contributors should check published reports similar to their submission to determine the optimal format and structure for their reports.

• Headings are used for the Abstract, Introduction, Methods, Rationale and Evidence, Recommendation (or Interim Guidance or other appropriate heading), and Discussion sections.

• Content within the sections should be organized using appropriate subheadings.

      Policy Notes can vary considerably. The following is a general guide for formatting:

      2.7.1 Abstract (150–200 words, unstructured, no references or footnotes)

      The Abstract will be deposited as an abstract into online databases (e.g., PubMed, PubMed Central, and Web of Science).

      Include the following components (unstructured):

• Background (what is the problem? why is this worth writing about?)

• Methods (brief summary of methods used to establish policy or recommendation)

• Rationale and Evidence (present one or two main points that support the recommendation)

• Recommendation (brief summary of policy or recommendation)

• Public health message (state the implications of the recommendation for public health practice and any call to action for implementation)

      2.7.2 Introduction (no header) 

      Include a paragraph that summarizes background information relevant to the policy or recommendation that can help the reader understand the context and need for the policy or recommendation.

      2.7.3 Methods

      Policy Notes should include a summary of the methods used to establish the policy or recommendation, including answers to some or all of these questions:

• Who was involved in the production of the guidelines or recommendations, and how were they involved?

• What evidence base was considered?

• What was the rationale for considering this evidence base? Was other evidence excluded from consideration and, if so, why?

      2.7.4 Rationale and Evidence

      The Policy Note should provide a concise review of the rationale for the policy or recommendation and a descriptive review of the scientific evidence used to establish it. It should include an explanation of how the policy or recommendation adds to or differs from relevant previously established policies or recommendations.

      2.7.5 Presentation of the policy or Recommendation

      The policy or recommendation should state clearly when it takes effect and to whom and under what circumstances it applies.

      2.7.6 Discussion

      The Policy Note should comment on the likely impact of the new policy or recommendation, any call to action for implementation, and plans for assessment  of the policy or recommendation.

      Policy Notes do not contain a limitations paragraph.

      2.7.7 Other Policy Notes Components

      Other Policy Notes components that are not included in the word count are listed below with links to formatting guidance.

• Conflicts of interest (use a heading for this section)

• Acknowledgments (optional; use a heading for this section)

• Ethics statement  (use a heading for this section)

• Funding (optional; use a heading for this section)

• Corresponding author

• Author affiliations

• References (≤10; use a heading for this section)

• Footnotes (<16; ≤80 words each)

• Tables, Figures, and Boxes (≤3 total)

• Supplementary Tables and Figures (optional; ≤3 total)

2.8 Notes from the Field

      Notes from the Field are ≤500 words total and do not have an abstract. Notes from the Field are abbreviated reports describing ongoing or recent events of concern to the public health community. Events of concern include epidemics, outbreaks, unusual disease clusters, poisonings, exposures to disease or disease agents (including environmental and toxic), and notable public health–related case reports.

      Notes from the Field should include a brief unlabeled introduction, followed by two general headings: Investigation and Outcomes, and Preliminary Conclusions and Actions. Different headings can be used depending on the scope and format of the report. The following is a general guide for formatting.

      2.8.1 Brief Introduction 

      The brief, unlabeled introduction should describe the onset of the event and when and how it came to light.

      2.8.2 Investigation and Outcomes

• Description of the investigation, magnitude, and extent of the event (e.g., number of known cases or geographical occurrence), and outcomes (e.g., hospitalizations or deaths).

• One table, figure, or box will be considered, especially if its inclusion shortens the text.

• Include a concise summary of the methods used to conduct the investigation and analyze the data.

      2.8.3 Preliminary Conclusions and Actions

• Preliminary conclusions and actions that were, are being, or should be taken based on the findings in the report.

• No definitive conclusions need be presented.

• A limitations paragraph might not be needed.

• If analyses suggest the possible benefit of public health actions that are not reflected in existing current national guidanceor policy, language that is not policy directive should be used (e.g., “These analyses suggest that doing “X” might help prevent “Y”.).

• Broader public health guidance that is current and related to the report topic (including existing national guidance and other consensus recommendations) may also be cited in this section. The source of the guidance should be described in the report and a reference to the published guidance should be included.

      2.8.4 Other Notes from the Field Components

      Other Notes from the Field components that are not included in the word count are listed below with links to formatting guidance.

• Conflicts of interest (use a heading for this section)

• Acknowledgments (optional; use a heading for this section)

• Ethics statement  (use a heading for this section)

• Funding (optional; use a heading for this section)

• Corresponding author

• Author affiliations

• References (≤5; use a heading for this section)

• Footnotes (≤5; ≤80 words each)

• Table, Figure, or Box (≤1 total)

2.9 Recommendation

      Recommendation mainly focus on expert consensus in the field, required unstructured abstract and the required text should not exceed ≤1,800 words, the optimal format and structure are determined by reports and can vary considerably.

2.10 Perspectives and commentary

      Reviews and Perspectives articles summarize the domestic and international research results of disease prevention and control and express representative views in the field of public health. The optimal format and structure are determined by reports and can vary considerably. The text should not exceed 1,800 words, but justification for exceeding this limit may be discussed with an editor.

2.11 Recollections and Reflections

      Recollections and Reflections articles review the history of epidemics and control of important diseases and summarize strategies, models, experiences and lessons in prevention and control in China.

      The optimal format and structure are determined by reports and can vary considerably. The text should not exceed 1,800 words, but justification for exceeding this limit may be discussed with an editor.

2.12 Announcements

      Announcements are introductions to important public health days (e.g., World AIDS Day). These articles usually use relevant vital surveillance and investigation reports as the cover.

3.0 Formatting Requirements and Author Submission Checklist

   A. Text

   Create a new Microsoft Word document for your text. Do not use a previously created Word document as the basis (i.e., a template) for your report. Use of a previous document will make your report unusable. Maximum length varies by report type and does not include title, authors, footnotes, references, figures, tables, boxes, and acknowledgments.

   When creating the manuscript, the text must be in Times New Roman 12-point font with 1-inch margins and single-spaced paragraphs (6-point spacing made be added after paragraphs); headers may be bolded; italics should be used where appropriate (e.g., titles of journals, names of species, etc.). The Weekly adheres to American-language publishing standards.

   Failure to comply with these standards may delay publication, or, in severe cases, result in returning of the manuscript until the adjustments are made.

   B. Titles

   The titles of submitted manuscripts should be roughly 150 characters, or 20 words, and should strive to answer the following questions:

   1) What was the study about?

   2) When was the data of the study collected?

   3) Where was the data of study collected?

   An example of a title that answers the above questions is as follows: “Healthy Lifestyles and Chronic Pain with New-Onset Metabolic-related Multimorbidity among Older Adults – China, 2011-2018”

   C. References

   Follow the style of Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts Submitted to Biomedical Journals available at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/bsd/uniform_requirements.html. In text, place reference number “callouts” in parentheses “(1).” Number the references within the text in order of appearance, then list in numeric order at end of report. Do not submit with Reference Manager engaged.

   D. Tables and Figures

   Tables should be created in Word using the table function or in Excel. Contributors should study tables in previous reports for style. Tables cannot have tabs or extra spaces within the cells. Any numbers greater than one thousand need to add thousands separator (1,000 instead of 1000). Tables should be provided embedded in the text but should be sent in separate files. For tables listing epidemiological data by geographic division (e.g., provincial-level administrative divisions; PLADs), Weekly prefers to publish table data sorted by performance. Figures should be created in (not pasted into) Adobe Illustrator, PowerPoint, Excel or (in the case of maps) other text editable vector format files (such as .ai, .eps, and .wmf). Bar graphs or line graphs should have underlying data tables. Figures should be sent in separate files and not embedded in text. Place keys/legends within the Figure. Maps must have an approval number before submission. This approval number can be acquired on the official website of the Ministry of Natural Resources of the People's Republic of China (https://www.mnr.gov.cn/bsznxxk/fwzn/202302/t20230213_2775743.html).

   E. Footnotes

   For footnotes, do not submit with the endnotes function of MS Word engaged. Use the following footnote symbols in order of appearance: *, †, §, ¶, **, ††, §§, ¶¶, etc. All others are superscripted.

4.0 Clearance

   The clearance of the Weekly’s manuscript is in the form of internal clearance and peer review.

   A.Clearance

   Before submitting to ScholarOne-Weekly, an internal clearance process of the author's original division/department/center is required to review and confirm the scientific rigor and compliance of the manuscript. Having the English reviewed by native-English speakers is required; failure to reach a certain language standard in English may result in delay of publication or, in severe cases, conditional or final rejection.

   B. Peer-review

   After internal clearance, the manuscript is submitted to the ScholarOne-Weekly review system. The executive editor (EE) organizes the senior scientific editing (SSE) team to discuss and triage the manuscript. The scientific editor (SE) selects reviewers and relies on the system database and an established expert base to peer-review the manuscript and communicate with the author for any revisions. This process is a double-blind peer-review process that utilizes available resources to select reviewers that are experts in the field.

   The SSE performs a second review of scientific rigor and compliance, and after the professional English editorial review, submits the manuscript to the chief editor or executive deputy editor for final review. If needed, a review meeting of the editorial board will be held to discuss the decision.

5.0 Submission, Acceptance, and Scheduling

   Unless Weekly has agreed to expedite publication, cleared Preplanned Studies should be submitted at least 5 weeks (35 calendar days) before the Friday issue date. Generally, Announcements and Notices to Readers should be submitted 14 calendar days before the Friday issue date. Submission deadlines for reports that Weekly has agreed to expedite are established on an individual basis.

   A. All manuscript acceptances and publication are determined by the Weekly editor.

   B. After a report has been accepted for publication, Weekly will assign a publication date. Considering the progress of certain projects and special date schedules (for example, in conjunction with World AIDS Day activities), the date of publication of such reports can be predetermined.

   C. Contributors should submit their final, cleared report through the ScholarOne-Weekly Manuscripts system. In separate attachments, contributors should send the Evidence of Clearance and Conflict of Interest Form as well as the text, tables and figures.  

6.0 Guidance for Correcting Errors

   Correction of errors preserves the integrity of scientific and public health literature. They also protect the reputations of the authors, the Weekly and China CDC by demonstrating commitment to ensuring accurate science.

   A. Errors Related to Small Portions of Text, Figures, or Tables.

   Requests to publish corrections should be sent to your report editor. An Erratum will be published in the Weekly as soon as possible following notification about the error.

   B. Pervasive Errors Throughout the Text, Figures, or Tables.

   If pervasive errors are brought to the attention of authors or Weekly editors, it’s our obligation to transparently correct the literature. After reviewing the nature and source of the errors for each case, Weekly staff will assess the report in collaboration with other CDC leadership, as indicated. In cases with suspected scientific misconduct, the editorial office will determine the appropriate corrective action. In cases of inadvertent, pervasive errors, the Editor-in-Chief will determine the appropriate method for correcting the report based on current scientific publication guidance. Below are the most likely paths for correcting inadvertent, pervasive errors.

   1. For reports that have pervasive errors but the corrections do not change the conclusions or interpretation of the report, Weekly will correct the literature through correction and republication.

   2. For reports that have pervasive errors that change the interpretation or the conclusions when corrected, Weekly will correct the literature through Retraction. In collaboration with authors, Weekly will determine whether it is appropriate to also republish the report at the time of retraction.

7.0 Other Editorial Policies

   A. Advertising Policy.

   The Weekly currently does not accept or display any advertising.

   B. Conflicts of Interest.

   Conflicts of interest, or competing interests, may exist when individuals experience a divergence between their primary scientific and publishing interests and a secondary, private interest that may cast doubt to an observer on the individuals’ judgment, behavior, or conduct. Authors should disclose all conflicts of interest on the relevant form.

   C. Informed Consent and Research Ethics.

   Informed consent for individuals involved in the studies must be obtained in accordance with relevant research ethics boards and institutions that have funded and/or approved the study before commencement of the study. Relevant approval numbers must be included in the submission of manuscripts using individual-level data and will be verified prior to publication.

   D. Copyright and Licensing

   Peer-reviewed articles available through the Weekly protected by copyright that belongs to the respective authors and are distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License 4.0 (CC BY-NC) with the Weekly being the exclusive licensee.

   The respective copyright holders retain rights for reproduction, redistribution, and reuse. Readers of the Weekly are directly and solely responsible for compliance with copyright restrictions and are expected to adhere to the terms and conditions defined by the copyright holder. Transmission, reproduction, or reuse of protected material, beyond that allowed by the fair use principles of the copyright laws, requires the permission of the copyright owners.

8.0 Contact Information

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