A newly introduced method of virus testing in China has been in the news and is being criticised by other countries. The government has made it mandatory for international travellers to be tested for the virus with the help of an anal swab test. China has already set up hubs at airports in Shanghai and Bejing for this.

Japan and the United States are among the countries that have shared their concerns about the new method, stating that it is intrusive, humiliating and encroaches on the dignity of people.

However, China reiterates that the screening is &ldquoscience-based&rdquo and is being performed keeping in mind all the new changes and mutations that the virus has been showing. Chinese experts also believe that the virus thrives longer in faecal samples as compared to our noses and throats.

The tests began in early January and have been approved by the National Health Commission of China.