Testing intensifies in Guangzhou following suspected case in Starbucks

Guangzhou extends testing to all possible contacts of confirmed COVID-19 infections with sporadic confirmed cases popping up in the city. [Photo/WeChat account: GZWS411665430]

With sporadic confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) popping up in the city, Guangzhou is extending testing to all possible contacts of confirmed infections. People who have visited hot spots, venues with two or more cases, are required to take tests.

All taxi drivers in the city are expected to complete free virus testing by April 21.

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Yuexiu district

An employee of Starbucks Coffee in Peace World Plaza (广州好世界广场), Yuexiu district was identified as a suspected case on April 18. To stem possible COVID-19 spread, the district authorities have required that all visitors to the Starbucks Coffee branch in the past 14 days, as well as people working in the building go to designated sites for free virus tests before 6 pm on April 20. To date, about 2,000 people have been tested.

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Tianhe district

The district has established test sites in all its 21 blocks, including Tangxia village where a taxi driver was confirmed with COVID-19 infection on April 16.

Residents encouraged to take tests include bus drivers, vendors or shop owners at crowded markets, as well as people working in restaurants, eateries, and shops.

After offering free tests for the past three days, the test sites will start charging on April 20.

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Baiyun district

The district has established test sites and sent out 65 investigation teams in a thorough screening of visitors to venues where confirmed or asymptomatic cases of COVID-19 were reported.

People who have been to at-risk venues can take a free test with their ID cards. The throat swab sample collection takes about five minutes, and test results can come back in eight to 24 hours.