Table 1 The summary of themes and sub-themes

Task participation

During the pre-outbreak period (Table S2);

During the outbreak period (Table S3);

During the regular prevention and control period (Table S4);

Main tasks at their PHC facilities

Flowchart of main task fulfillment by PHC facilities during regular COVID-19 prevention and control period (Fig. 1)

The existing problems

A shortage of medical supplies (during the pre-outbreak period);

Pressure on patients’ treatment and management of the febrile patients (city at-high risk during the outbreak period);

At-home or centralized quarantine?

Febrile patient management (city at low-risk);

Transferring;

Screening at travel centers/intervals (low-risk area);

Mental pressures.

Suggestions for solutions or improvement

Supplies storage;

Graded diagnoses and treatments;

Temporarily converted quarantine wards and centralized quarantine centers (city at high-risk);

Strict evaluation of housing environment or transferring to centralized quarantine centers;

Fever sentinel clinics at PHC facilities;

Transferring;

Screening might could be performed by well-trained non-medical workers;

Psychological intervention.