What is China's plan to test 11 million people in 10 days?

China has developed an ambitious plan to test all residents in Wuhan, the town where Pandemia Covid-19 started, following the appearance of a group of new infections. Authorities had promised to test city dwellers for a 10-day period, starting on May 14th, writes BBC.

What was the goal?

Wuhan has a population of 11 million. But the test has ruled out every child under the age of six.

The total number may have been further reduced, given that some residents who left Wuhan before the impasse in January may not have returned. Testing of every resident within 10 days would be a major challenge, reports abcnews. al

Authorities said they would start with people considered most endangered like those in areas with a larger population, as well as those at key jobs, such as healthcare.

Then we need to consider the time frame, which has moved somewhat since the initial announcement. Authorities in Wuhan suggested that different circles within the city would begin at different periods.

Why is testing for the coronary important?

 “Each circle has to complete its tests within 10 days since the date it begins, said the Center for Disease Control, which effectively extended the deadline beyond the original promise.

How many were tested?

There are about 60 testing centres throughout the city, with a maximum capacity of 100,000 tests per day, according to the official newspaper Hubei Daily.

With this it's impossible to get everyone tested in Wuhan for 10 days. So, testing capacity, it will have to grow considerably to meet the challenge, abcnews reports. al

One way to increase testing is to use a group testing method. Chinese state media have reported that this was used in Wuhan.

Reports suggest they used groups between five and 10 samples in Wuhan, conducting only individual tests if a group results positive.

This would be an efficient way to test a large number of people where the infection level is low, as most groups would result in provisions, abcnews reports. al

Authorities have confirmed about 200 positive cases from all tests conducted so far.

In total, according to the Hobei Health Commission website, nine million tests were conducted on May 24th, 10 days after the campaign began.

This is a huge number, and although it is not possible to verify independently.