The validity of PCR tests will now be counted from the moment the result comes out instead of collecting samples as previously, the Shanghai Big Data Center said on Friday.
The adjustment of the validity of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is calculated as a result of an initiative to develop a unified national PCR verification standard.
The new calculation method has been applied to the city’s 随申办 (suishenban) application, and to the 场所码 (venue code) since Friday.
Most public transportation and local locations require a 72-hour PCR test report as one of the main regular measures for preventing and controlling COVID-19.
Since it takes between 6 and 12 hours for the result to come out, many citizens, especially office workers, have to get a test every 48 hours to make sure the PCR report won’t expire.