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VIRUS-WUHAN-TEST
Wuhan to test entire population after new virus cluster: state media
WUHAN, China, May 12, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Wuhan plans to conduct coronavirus
tests on the Chinese city’s entire population after new cases emerged for the
first time in weeks in the cradle of the global pandemic, state media reported
Tuesday.
Officials had been ordered to submit by noon on Tuesday plans to administer
nucleic acid tests on all residents in the city of 11 million people,
according to an official notice carried by news outlets.
“Each district should make plans and arrangements to conduct nucleic acid
tests on the entire population in its jurisdiction within a 10-day time
limit,” the notice said, although it was unclear when testing would begin.
The planned tests come after Wuhan reported the first cluster of new COVID-
19 infections since the city re-opened after a 76-day lockdown on April 8.
Six new cases were reported on Sunday and Monday from a residential
compound in Dongxihu District.
But an official from the Dongxihu District epidemic prevention and control
commanding office told AFP that they have “not yet received news about this
notice”.
China has largely brought the virus under control, but it has been on edge
about being hit by a second wave as it has lifted lockdowns and restrictions
across the country.
Virus clusters have appeared recent weeks in the northeastern provinces of
Jilin and Heilongjiang, which border Russia.
With the virus taking hold in other nations, China has barred most
foreigners from entering the country.
Wuhan has reported 3,869 deaths since the novel coronavirus first emerged
there in December, accounting for most fatalities in China. Scientists believe
the virus jumped from animals to humans at a market that sold wildlife in the
city.
BSS/AFP/MMA/1610HRS