Chinese border city to launch citywide nucleic acid testing after new cases from overseas

Ruili City in southwest China's Yunnan Province will launch citywide nucleic acid testing after two COVID-19 cases from overseas were reported in the city, local authorities said on Monday. 

The cases were discovered on Sunday, the provincial health commission said.

Both patients are Myanmar nationals who entered China illegally through Ruili. One of them was previously diagnosed as an asymptomatic case.

Authorities have imposed a citywide lockdown in Ruili and issued a stay-at-home order for all residents.

The two patients and five others have been quarantined and hospitalized. As of 4:00 p.m. on Monday, 190 close contacts have also been isolated and have had their specimens taken for testing.

So far, 98 have tested negative for coronavirus, while the others are awaiting for their results. 

The local police department is investigating the criminal responsibility of the Burmese who entered China illegally and will punish those involved in helping them enter the country.

Ruili officials also advised those who have left the city since September 12 to get tested for the novel coronavirus. 

Editor: John Li