Our research team @CUHKMedicine analysed >300 specimens from 14 #HongKong patients confirmed with #COVID19 and discovered that the virus was detectable in the #stool samples of all patients, regardless of the degree of illness. 
Our study suggests that virus shedding in stool may have public health implications. First, it may serve as an alternative #screening tool in people without #respiratory symptoms.
In view of our finding, we will in the first stage screen #stool and deep throat saliva for 100 #asymptomatic close contacts admitted to the #quarantine centers. This will help determine whether stool test can effectively detect #COVID19 in #asymptomatic persons.
Second, virus shedding in stool may impose health hazard to others. Virus shedding in stool could contaminate the environment and the virus could be transmitted through #mucosal surfaces of eyes, nose and mouth after people touch the contaminated surface.
Caretakers and food handlers should be particularly vigilant about their hand hygiene.
