More cases found in Jilin, Heilongjiang

Jilin province reported 43 new locally transmitted confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 34 asymptomatic carriers on Monday, the provincial Health Commission reported on Tuesday.

Thirty-four of the confirmed cases and 23 asymptomatic cases were reported in Tonghua, officials said at a news conference on Tuesday in the city.

Late on Monday, Tonghua's Dongchang district was designated a medium-risk area for COVID-19.

The confirmed caseload in the province reached 83 as local transmission followed the first asymptomatic carriers returning from neighboring Heilongjiang province. Of the 83 cases, 14 patients are in critical condition.

Jilin on Monday designated 15 areas as medium-risk areas, bringing the number of medium-risk areas in the province to 24, People's Daily reported.

Heilongjiang reported 27 new confirmed cases and 43 asymptomatic carriers on Monday, its Health Commission said on Tuesday.

Twenty-three confirmed cases and 20 asymptomatic carriers were detected in Suihua city's Wangkui county, where the first asymptomatic carrier associated with the recent outbreak was reported on Jan 10.

Starting on Tuesday, residents in Wangkui must stay at home in self-quarantine, according to a statement by the city's epidemic prevention and control headquarters.

Other than seeking medical treatment, all residents should stay at home and conduct no outside activities, the statement said. No private vehicles are allowed on the roads.

Community staff members and volunteers will help residents purchase daily necessities during their home quarantines.

Of the 43 asymptomatic carriers reported in Heilongjiang, 12 were in the capital city.

A 17-year-old resident surnamed Wang tested positive for coronavirus on Sunday when he sought medical treatment at Hulan District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

During tests of Wang's close contacts, 10 other residents that live in the same building also came back positive.