Coronavirus: What new way of defining cases means for Hubei

More can be admitted to hospital, while test kits can be used for those with no visible symptoms

A worker with sanitising equipment in front of a hospital on Wednesday in Yichang city, Hubei province. Doctors now have more flexibility in diagnosing, isolating and treating patients. Those with mild symptoms can now be considered confirmed cases a
A worker with sanitising equipment in front of a hospital on Wednesday in Yichang city, Hubei province. Doctors now have more flexibility in diagnosing, isolating and treating patients. Those with mild symptoms can now be considered confirmed cases and offered spaces in hospitals, lowering the possibility of spread when patients are still in the community. PHOTO: REUTERS
Elizabeth Law
China Correspondent
Updated
Feb 14, 2020, 08:53 AM
Published
Feb 14, 2020, 05:00 AM
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While China's change of methodology in counting confirmed cases in Hubei province may have spiked infection numbers, it actually reduces stress on hospitals and the province's public health system.

First things first, what exactly is this change?

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on February 14, 2020, with the headline What new way of defining virus cases means for Hubei . Subscribe

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