Wuhan Plans Coronavirus Testing for 11 Million Residents in Hopes of Avoiding Second Wave

Wuhan, China, authorities have announced plans to test all 11 million citizens for coronavirus in hopes of avoiding the possibility of a second wave of the virus.

Authorities said the screening for each district will be completed over a 10-day span, according to BBC News.

So far, Wuhan authorities have conducted a door-to-door campaign to notify residents in two of the city’s main districts of the mass testing effort, according to Reuters.

“Some districts will start from 12 May, others from 17 May, for example,” the Wuhan Centre for Disease Control said. “Each district finishes its tests within 10 days from the date it started.”

It has been reported that the decision to test the entire population comes as new cases have emerged for the first time since China’s lockdown ended over a month ago.

Prior to the latest report of new coronavirus cases, Wuhan had gone 35 consecutive days without any reported new cases. The latest announcement comes as debates have ensued about whether or not it is necessary to test every citizen.

Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention chief epidemiologist Zunyou Wu argues