18 Chinese returning from UAE test positive for COVID-19

A customs officer checks passengers' health information at Pudong International Airport in Shanghai. [Photo by Yin Liqin/China News Services] 

There were 18 new imported cases of COVID-19 in Shanghai on Sunday, the Shanghai Municipal Health Commission announced on Monday.

According to the commission, all the cases are returning Chinese who worked in the United Arab Emirates.

Three of these individuals departed the UAE on Wednesday and arrived at Shanghai Pudong International Airport on the second day.

The other 15 travelers departed the UAE on Friday and arrived at Shanghai Pudong International Airport on the same day, following a flight transfer in Sri Lanka.

All 18 cases displayed symptoms of infection while serving their quarantine in designated hotels.

The 237 people who came into close contact with these 18 individuals have also been sent to quarantine hotels for a two-week observation.

Following this incident, the civil aviation authority has suspended flights from UAE to China.

According to the Civil Aviation Administration of China, an inbound flight route will be suspended for a week if the number of travelers who test positive for the novel coronavirus reaches five. When the number reaches 10, the flight route will be suspended for four weeks.

By the end of Sunday, the number of imported COVID-19 confirmed cases in Shanghai hit 444. A total of 396 have recovered and been discharged while the remainder are still receiving medical treatment at the hospital. There are currently seven suspected cases under observation.