China tightens control over asymptomatic patients

The Director of the Bureau of Disease Prevention and Control at China's National Health Commission, Chang Jile, said on Tuesday that asymptomatic individuals will be put under mandatory isolation for 14 days.

The asymptomatic cases will be reported as confirmed cases if the individuals show symptoms of COVID-19 during the quarantine, Chang said.

On Monday, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang called for more efforts to be made in monitoring, tracing, quarantining and treating the asymptomatic patients.

Officials reported just 48 new virus cases in China on Tuesday, all of them brought from overseas.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.