Dalian widens coronavirus screenings

Dalian, Liaoning province, has increased screening for people who have had close contact with anyone infected with the coronavirus to contain its spread, a city health commission official said on Friday.

In addition to seeking the close contacts of people suspected or confirmed with the infection, asymptomatic contacts will also be identified. And then the close contacts of these close contacts will be quarantined for 14 days for medical observation, said Zhao Lian, deputy director of the health commission, at a news conference on Friday. People will be tested three times, she said.

Zhao said the expansion is based on the current situation, analysis of the development trend and suggestion by the expert group dispatched to Dalian by the National Health Commission.

Dalian confirmed 11 COVID-19 infections on Thursday, including six people who had previously been identified as asymptomatic carriers, Zhao said.

The total number of confirmed cases climbed to 68, with 32 asymptomatic cases under medical observation, she said.