Medical staffs prepare to administer nucleic acid tests for residents in Xi'an. Photo: VCG

A confirmed COVID-19 patient in Xi'an, Northwest China's Shaanxi Province, has been placed under investigation for failing to follow epidemic prevention regulations and infecting more than 10 people, local authorities said on Monday. The city has now strengthened epidemic control amid virus spreading.

On March 5, the patient surnamed Yao was in a restaurant in Xi'an, where another confirmed case was found.

Yao did not report the travel itinerary as required even when the local authorities published the travel itineraries of the confirmed case and Yao was clearly aware of the fact that they had dined at the same restaurant.

Yao even failed to report to the local health authorities after showing obvious symptoms of COVID-19 later on. Yao self-medicated and repeatedly went to public places, causing more than 10 people to be infected with the virus. 

Yao's behavior violated the relevant provisions of the Criminal Law of the People's Republic of China, and relevant authorities filed a case for investigation on suspicion of obstructing the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, according to the local government.

The city reported 53 local infections on Monday. The latest round of outbreak in Xi'an has recorded a total of 245 infections since March 5.

According to the epidemic prevention and control center of Xi'an, the city will strengthen the management of out-of-city passage from Tuesday in order to prevent the spread of the epidemic.

Residents are not allowed to leave the city except in cases of special needs. The green code and a negative nucleic acid test result within 24 hours are required upon departure, said the statement.

Global Times