Two scientists of the World Health Organisation (WHO) are on the way to China to investigate the origins of the pandemic are trapped in Singapore after testing positive for COVID-19 antibodies, the UN agency on Thursday said.
While, CNN reported that the two members are part of the team of scientists travelling to the central Chinese city of Wuhan to conduct field research.
The WHO said, the other 13 scientists arrived in Wuhan Thursday.
“The international team of 13 scientists examining the origins of the virus that causes COVID-19 arrived in Wuhan, China, today. The experts will begin their work immediately during the 2 weeks quarantine protocol for international travelers,” the WHO said in a tweet.
The international team of 13 scientists examining the origins of the virus that causes #COVID19 arrived in Wuhan, #China, today.
The experts will begin their work immediately during the 2 weeks quarantine protocol for international travelers.
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) January 14, 2021
“Two scientists are still in Singapore completing tests for COVID-19. All team members had multiple negative PCR and antibody tests for COVID-19 in their home countries prior to traveling,” the health body tweeted.
The global body said, the scientists were tested again in Singapore, “and were all negative for PCR. But two of the members tested positive for IgM antibodies. And now they are being again tested for both IgM and IgG antibodies.”
According to CNN’s report, when asked about the two scientists in a briefing on Thursday, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian did not directly comment but said, “China will strictly follow the relevant epidemic prevention regulations and requirements, and provide corresponding support and facilities for WHO experts who come to China to carry out international cooperation on tracing the origin of the virus.”