Stumble start on way to China for WHO coronavirus origins team after two stranded in Singapore after positive Covid-19 test
- Most of the international experts arrive in Wuhan but two remain in Singapore after testing positive for Covid-19 antibodies
- Further checks required to determine whether cause is an active infection
While the two had to remain behind in Singapore, the other members began two weeks of mandatory quarantine after landing in the city of Wuhan, where the first outbreak was reported at the end of 2019.
The two scientists showed negative results for the standard nucleic acid test used to diagnose active infection, but tested positive for IgM antibodies, which could point to recent infection.
China requires passengers flying from Singapore to take a nucleic acid test and an IgM antibody test up to two days before boarding flights to the country. WHO guidance, however, says antibody tests should not be used to diagnose acute Covid-19 infection, as antibodies develop a few weeks after infection.
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WHO health experts arrive in Covid-19 epicentre Wuhan to investigate origins of coronavirus
The WHO said all team members had been tested multiple times in their home countries before travelling, and the two scientists would remain in Singapore for further testing.
Amid reports that Beijing had barred the two from entering China, Reuters quoted Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian as saying that “relevant epidemic prevention and control requirements and regulations will be strictly enforced”.