Tests key to containing outbreak in Beijing

Sufficient and timely administered nucleic acid tests have a pivotal role to play in preventing any large-scale reemergence of the novel coronavirus, as they have proved to be the only effective way to quickly identify asymptomatic cases of infection, thus making it possible for those infected to be quarantined and treated at the earliest.

That is why, starting last week, Beijing has arranged for the mass testing of key groups of people after a cluster of new local infection cases related to Xinfadi wholesale market were first reported on June 11. Such groups include people from highrisk areas such as markets and residential communities where infections have already been reported, workers in the catering and express delivery sectors, medical staff as well as students and teachers. So far more than 2.2 million people in Beijing have already received such tests.

Despite the relatively quick response citywide, there have been reports over the past few days about some testing sites being overwhelmed by crowds of people, which has greatly heightened the infection risks. Many test-takers have also complained about the long waiting time before they can get the results.

Such problems have popped up mainly because of the city's overstrained testing capacity even though medical workers have been working round the clock to cope with the sudden surge in demand. Besides the key groups that have to be tested first, the official requirement that anyone who wants to travel outside Beijing has to carry a negative nucleic acid test certificate issued within the past seven days has prompted many to rush to get the test. Those who don't make reservations before going to testing sites have made the situation more complicated.

Given the significance of the nucleic acid tests, the authorities must make every effort to ramp up testing, for this will not only preempt a possible resurgence in infections after the country has basically contained the outbreak nationwide, but also serve to boost public confidence that the normal social lives and economic production activities will not be disrupted because of a few new infections emerging, which is a constant likelihood given the nature of the virus.

To people's relief, Beijing is already racing to meet its testing needs at full throttle－for example it has already raised its sample collection capability to 500,000 people per day from 8,000 previously. Given that Wuhan completed nucleic acid tests for its nearly 10 million residents within 18 days in May, we have every reason to believe Beijing, given its firm resolve to win the fight against the virus and unmatched medical capacity and resources, will be able to keep the outbreak under control.