Shock! Chinese workers entering PNG after being vaccinated may test positive with SARS-CoV-2

 Reporter : Ling Shan / Editor : Song Yue / Sound Of Hope

Ref : https://www.soundofhope.org/post/413608 

Translation, editing : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA

On Thursday (20 August 2020), the Beijing authorities were asked by the Papua New Guinea (PNG) government to explain why the nickel mine workers of China Metallurgical Industry Corporation (MCC) were required to be vaccinated with the Chinese-made vaccine before entering PNG, but they may have the problem of “positive reactions to the virus due to the vaccine”.

The Associated Press reported that according to a report from Ramu NiCo, a subsidiary of MCC Group, on 10 August, 48 Chinese employees were vaccinated with the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine developed by China and returned to MCC Group in PNG to work in the nickel mine.

However, China Metallurgical Group warned the PNG authorities that 48 staff members who have returned to PNG from China this month may have tested positive for the virus because of the vaccine.

Agence France-Presse quoted a relevant statement from China Metallurgical Group as saying, "After vaccination, it takes about 7 days to produce antibodies in the vaccine recipient." "If you need to test again, it is recommended to do it at least 7 days after the date of vaccination."

At present, the Chinese staff who have received the vaccination have exceeded the 7 days for the "vaccine to produce antibodies," but the attitude of the PNG government may indicate that the problem has not been resolved.

PNG's epidemic control officer David Manning told AFP on 20 August that he had sent a letter to the Chinese ambassador to explain how the above-mentioned 48 Chinese employees were vaccinated with the Chinese-made vaccine.

In addition, the PNG authorities also doubt whether the Chinese company has bypassed the mandatory quarantine policy after entry, or the Chinese personnel have been vaccinated under illegal conditions, and whether this Chinese-made vaccine has been injected into some PNG citizens for testing.

PNG called on Beijing to "immediately clarify" the issue and block the entry of a Chinese chartered plane scheduled to land in the country on Thursday, which has about 150 Chinese staff on board.

Chinese Ambassador to PNG Xue Bing told Agence France-Presse that China has not yet commented on it. "However, it is certain that China has not conducted vaccine tests in PNG."