China Changing the Way They Count & Detect New COVID-19 Cases Again

Back on 13 Feb 2020, China gave the world a huge scare when they reported a ridiculously high number of new cases within a day: Nearly 15,000 new cases.

Which is really scary, especially when you consider the fact that the day before, the number of new cases was only 1,638.

But they have a valid reason for it.

They changed the way they tally the number of cases.

Now, China Is Changing The Way They Tally Their Cases Again

Originally, they only included positive results from people who went through the Nucleic Acid Test (NAT).

Then on 13 Feb, they included the people (in Hubei and Wuhan) who were diagnosed with clinical methods including lung imaging.

And yesterday (20 February 2020), they announced that the number of cases will only include people who are tested positive through “sophisticated laboratory test”.

Basically U-turn lah.

So you’re wondering, why China like that one? Worse than my girlfriend who doesn’t know where to eat at for dinner sia.

No More Backlog

According to Wang Guiqiang, the chief physician at Peking University First Hospital in Beijing, it’s because the situation has changed.

He explains that previously, the conditions of patients awaiting the NAT was “deteriorating quickly” and they needed active treatment fast.

Which is why they decide to include everybody and provide them with treatment.

But now, there is no backlog so they have the luxury of testing each and every suspected case.

A Significant Drop in New Cases

For those who want good news, China has reported its lowest amount of new cases in a single day on 20 Feb 2020.

There were only 394 new cases.

In addition, the authorities are now re-counting the number of cases reported in previous days by 279 after some patients who were diagnosed with clinical methods tested negative for the NAT.

On the homefront, Singapore is lauded as the best country in the world at detecting (and so, containing) the spread of Covid-19.

Meanwhile, South Korea has become the country with the highest number of infections outside China. All because of a stubborn woman who refused to be tested.

You can keep yourself updated on the Covid-19 situation in Singapore via MOH’s website.

Do take care of yourself during this period!