The discovery of 6 new cases of Covid-19 prompts the Chinese authorities to make a decision accordingly.
The discovery of coronavirus cases
China has succeeded in containing the epidemic for several months, thanks to different means: wearing of the generalized mask, tracing of patients and case-contacts, strict controls and containment measures. Only a few new patients are recorded on a daily basis at the national level. Most of these people with Covid-19 are of Chinese origin, returning from foreign countries. The latter are placed in quarantine upon arrival, to avoid transmitting the virus. However, in Qingdao, a metropolis of 9 million inhabitants located in the northeast of the country, cases of coronavirus have recently been discovered. The focus of infection is not yet known. According to local health officials, a city hospital is suspected. This healthcare establishment, specializing in pulmonary diseases, takes care of Covid-19 patients. Nothing is said for the moment.
What is the reaction of the Qingdao town hall?
Fearing a resurgence of the epidemic, this discovery prompted, very quickly, the screening of 143,000 Chinese, to try to identify contact cases as quickly as possible. In addition, the mayor of the city has launched a massive screening campaign. He hopes to test all of Qingdao’s residents, or 9 million people, in five days. Originally from China, the coronavirus spread rapidly from the end of 2019. The country is keen to take precautions and thus avoid the occurrence of new epidemic outbreaks. More than 4 million tests have already been carried out in two days. Very responsive, health professionals have set up medical tents all over Qingdao. In this city known to tourists for its beer, the queues are very long. Despite this, the town hall and the population are getting organized. The local administration is responsible for informing residents of the various screening points, but also for receiving people who take the test. In this context, the time to obtain the results will certainly be a little longer.
