Wuhan tests 3m, to finish citywide tests by May 20
The government of Wuhan, the region of China worst hit by COVID-19, announced on Thursday that it will expand nucleic acid testing to cover all of its 11 million residents. It aims to estimate the number of asymptomatic carriers in the city after testing 3 million residents last month.
Wuhan has been reporting up to a dozen asymptomatic infections each day since the beginning of May, which has triggered public concern despite silent carriers being separated for treatment.
In order to create a safe and healthy environment for the resumption of work, production and schools, Wuhan has decided to expand its nucleic acid testing and intensify the screening and treatment of asymptomatic carriers.
Citywide testing will prioritize permanent and temporary residents in the city who have not yet been tested for the novel coronavirus, residents in communities previously hit by the virus, and residents in old and densely populated communities.
Nucleic acid testing is an important tool for virus prevention and control and is conducive to the early detection and treatment of confirmed cases, as well as the early detection and isolation of asymptomatic carriers. Wuhan has been carrying out nucleic acid testing for key groups since April, which has proven to be an effective measure, according to the government.
The district government and doctors in Wuhan told the Global Times previously that some districts began mass testing on Wednesday, and testing will continue until May 20.
Medical experts said that the citywide tests in Wuhan could help assure residents, find out the proportion of silent carriers and offer reference for the nation to prevent a possible resurgence of COVID-19.