Whenever the Mouth Opens Wide, the 'Arm' Slides... China Seriously Committed to Zero COVID [Correspondent Diary]

Application of Facial Recognition Technology, 30 Seconds from Identity Verification to Test Completion
China to Soon Deploy Vehicles Equipped with Nucleic Acid Testing Robots in the Field

Photo by Shanghai Customs, China (captured)

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] In Beijing, a daily COVID-19 nucleic acid test has become routine. Initially, it was announced to be conducted for three days, but after three days, it was extended for another three days, and then another three days, repeating continuously. It has already been four weeks. Checking the smartphone app "Jiankangbao (Health Kit)" every morning after waking up is also part of the daily routine. If the test results from the previous day do not appear, one must keep checking the app in a state of anxious anticipation.

Photo by Shanghai Customs, China (captured)

The effort of those collecting the samples is even greater. By 7:30 a.m., they appear unfailingly wearing protective suits, N95 masks, and face shields. They conduct daily mass testing for Beijing’s population of 22 million, and one wonders where all these sample collectors come from and whether they even hold nursing licenses.

The daily wages for sample collectors have also increased significantly. Collectors receive up to 2,000 yuan (approximately 380,000 KRW), and assistants up to 1,500 yuan per day. Considering that a university graduate’s first-year monthly salary is around 6,000 to 7,000 yuan, this is a substantial amount. Beyond the money, there is the risk of virus infection during the collection process, and as the weather gets hotter, wearing protective suits, N95 masks, and face shields without ventilation is no easy task.

Soon, nucleic acid testing robots that will reduce the burden on sample collectors are expected to appear in China. Shanghai media outlet Shangguan reported that a robot for nucleic acid testing has been developed and demonstrated. Shangguan stated that the nucleic acid testing robot is installed on a mobile vehicle and that the robot, not a human, collects the samples.

This robot, equipped with facial recognition software, collects samples from the throat when a person opens their mouth. Afterward, the collected sample is placed into a sample container, which is then sealed. Shangguan emphasized that the entire process from verifying the test taker’s personal information to sample collection takes only 30 seconds.

Additionally, the mobile vehicle is equipped with an automatic disinfection system and a negative pressure device, ensuring that no one inside the vehicle is at risk of virus infection, the media outlet stressed.

In particular, the height of the mobile vehicle carrying the robot is less than 2.1 meters, allowing testing to be conducted without restrictions in places such as underground parking lots. Since it is a robot and not a human, there are no time constraints, the report added.

The COVID-19 nucleic acid testing robot does not seem to involve highly advanced technology. Facial recognition technology is already commercialized, and the robot arm’s movements are simple. Nevertheless, the development of the robot appears to reflect the Chinese leadership’s determination to maintain the "Zero COVID (lockdown)" policy.

The exact reason why China insists on the Zero COVID policy is unclear. Speculations range from the Chinese-made vaccines being significantly less effective than initially reported to concerns that a surge in COVID-19 deaths could increase public distrust toward the Chinese leadership.

Personally, I believe that China’s Zero COVID policy is correct and appropriate during the pandemic. However, there is a condition: neither I nor my family should be subject to lockdown. The neighborhood where I live should not be targeted either. My friends and colleagues should also not be affected. Is that possible?