Urumqi carries out new targeted round of testing

Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, has carried out a new round of nucleic acid tests in places where locally transmitted and asymptomatic COVID-19 cases were found since Tuesday.

Rui Baoling, head of the city's disease control and prevention center, said as most recent confirmed and asymptomatic cases were detected in previous citywide testing, the city decided to relaunch the test in key areas.

"The test is focusing on places like residential compounds and temporary medical observation sites where the virus has been found before, as well as those most prone to illness," Rui said during a virus control and prevention conference on Wednesday.

The region reported 22 locally transmitted COVID-19 infections and 13 asymptomatic cases on Tuesday, bringing the total tally of confirmed cases to 614 and asymptomatic carriers to 120 since the outbreak began on July 15.

Rui added another five people were discharged from hospitals after recovery on Tuesday, and the total number of discharged climbed to 52 since the first recovery on July 28.

As Urumqi has been locked down after the recent outbreak, the city's transport department is making efforts to ensure smooth and orderly transportation services.

Fang Yong, deputy director of the city's bureau of transport, said the bureau has arranged over 18,000 trips for those leaving and returning to the city, and citizens who need living and medical supplies.

"Additionally, we have been providing stable and timely transportation services for medical and social workers who have been on the frontline fighting against COVID-19, to make sure they arrive at their posts safely," Fang said.