Researchers from the First Affiliated Hospital of the School of Medicine of China's Zhejiang University published research on February 26, showing that the novel coronavirus can be found in tears and conjunctival secretions.

The researchers tested 30 patients' samples, including 21 common type and 9 severe type COVID-19 patients. Samples of tear and conjunctival secretions from one patient with conjunctivitis tested positive for the novel coronavirus. 

"The research indicates that the respiratory tract may not be the only way to spread the novel coronavirus," said Shen Ye, co-author of the research.

The practical implication of this research is to remind the medical workers to wear not only protective masks but also goggles when they examine suspected COVID-19 patients, Shen added.