Wuhan, China Resumes Full COVID-19 Testing: "Will Complete Within 3 Days"

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] A new comprehensive survey will be conducted within three days in Wuhan, China, the epicenter of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

According to the state-run Global Times on the 18th, Wang Zhonglin, the newly appointed Party Secretary of Wuhan, announced on the 16th that a net-style COVID-19 virus test will be conducted throughout Wuhan to identify infected individuals. This is to acknowledge the issues found in the previous comprehensive survey conducted by the former Party Secretary Ma Guochang and to carry out a re-investigation.

Wuhan city plans to conduct nucleic acid tests on all suspected patients, gather all COVID-19 patients, check people with fever, isolate those who have had close contact with patients, and monitor the implementation of 24-hour lockdown management.

Big data and artificial intelligence (AI) will be deployed during this process. Secretary Wang stated, "Public officials bear great responsibility for the health of residents," and added, "Do not leave any household or any home behind."

Previously, former Secretary Ma announced on the 11th that 10.59 million people, accounting for 99% of Wuhan's total population, had been comprehensively surveyed. However, the Global Times reported that Wuhan residents were unable to meet inspectors, and some confirmed COVID-19 patients were not even admitted to hospitals. This shows a discrepancy from the Wuhan city government's announcement.

Meanwhile, Wuhan city has decided to build 10 field hospitals for the treatment of mild patients.