China goes for ‘more accurate’ anal swabs to test coronavirus

This picture has been used for representational purpose

China has begun using anal swabs to test those it considers at high risk of contracting COVID-19, state TV reported, with social media users and travellers squirming over the invasive procedure which doctors say can be more effective in detecting the virus. Officials took anal swabs from residents in Beijing last week, broadcaster CCTV said, while those in designated quarantine facilities have also undergone the test.

Small, localised outbreaks in recent weeks have seen multiple cities in northern China sealed off from the rest of the country and prompted mass testing - which up until now have mostly been conducted using throat and nose swabs. But the anal swabs method "can increase the detection rate of infected people" as traces of the virus linger longer in the anus than in the respiratory tract, Li Tongzeng, a senior doctor from Beijing's You'an Hospital, said.

China pressuring us to keep quiet: Victims' kin
Relatives of Wuhan's coronavirus dead on Wednesday said Chinese authorities have deleted their social media group and are pressuring them to keep quiet while a World Health Organisation team is in the city to investigate the pandemic's origins. Scores of relatives have banded together online in a shared quest for accountability from Wuhan officials who they blame for mishandling the outbreak that tore through the city one year ago. Zhang Hai, a group member and a vocal critic of the outbreak's handling, said "The (authorities) are afraid that these families will get in touch with the WHO experts." When the WHO arrived in Wuhan, (authorities) forcibly demolished (the group). As a result we have lost contact with many members."