300 asymptomatic carriers in Wuhan show negative viral culture testing results

Large-scale nucleic acid testing in Wuhan has revealed 300 asymptomatic carriers but none of the related throat swabs and sputum samples have cultivated coronavirus, according to the municipal health commission Monday.

A resident takes nucleic acid test at a testing site in Dongxihu district in Wuhan, central China's Hubei province, May 15, 2020. [Photo/Xinhua]

Experts believe that the concentrations of coronavirus in the samples are extremely low or no pathogenic virus exists.

Meanwhile, personal belongings of the asymptomatic carriers such as toothbrushes, mugs, masks and towels have shown negative COVID-19 testing results in samples collected from the surfaces.

A total of 1,174 close contacts of the 300 cases have also been tested negative for coronavirus.

The above-mentioned negative results indicate that Wuhan has reported no asymptomatic transmission so far, the experts concluded.

The central Chinese city in Hubei Province on May 14 has carried out a citywide campaign to offer voluntary and free COVID-19 testing to those not tested before. The testing ended on June 1.