David-19: Japan urges China to stop its citizens' anal tests

Some people have complained that this procedure has caused psychological concern, Japanese officials said, the BBC writes.

China, which in large part has taken control of the pandemic, began this unusual method of testing for Covid-19 in January.

Last week, Chinese authorities denied that they have asked American diplomats to take this test, although American media reported that some diplomatic staff members have complained about the procedure.

Some Japanese “reported to our embassy in China that they were tested anal for Covid-19, which has caused them great psychological distress”, said Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato.

This type of testing applies to some of the persons in quarantine or who want to enter China's territory, the Japanese official said, adding that the Japanese Government has applied for the removal of this test for its citizens through the embassy in Beijing.

Some Chinese cities are applying this kind of testing, while local experts have claimed it might be more accurate for the discovery of infection, because the virus's signs, according to them, stay longer in the colon.

This test is carried out through the introduction of a three - to five - inch - long [3 - 5 cm] stove into its colon and spin slowly into its intestine.