At a meeting presided over by Premier Li Keqiang on April 9, a decision was made to expand the range for nucleic acid and serum antibody tests in major regions.

According to those at the meeting, there is still a rebound risk of the epidemic as concentrated outbreaks have occurred in some places again. Prevention and control weaknesses will be found and strengthened.

As test capacity is improving, the range and rate of the tests should be increased in major regions with more work done in epidemiological investigation. Infected patients should be discovered in time, and asymptomatic cases should be well managed.

“This is not only responsible for people’s safety and health, but also a need in researching and grasping the rules of the epidemic,” said Premier Li, head of the leading group on novel coronavirus prevention and control.

“In the early days of the epidemic outbreak, our test capacity was limited — we could only meet emergency needs,” the Premier said. “Now our test capacity is improved, and we can provide nucleic acid and serum antibody tests for those in need.”

“For those in major regions, nucleic acid and serum antibody tests can help identify people's health condition, eliminate unnecessary concern, and ease the concern of their families and colleagues,” Premier Li said.

The measure can also assure the public and facilitate life and production resumption as soon as possible, he added.