Health authorities in north China's Tianjin Municipality detected the novel coronavirus on the outer packaging of a flatfish on Wednesday.

The finding was made during the mass coronavirus screening of cold-chain food products in the city.

Local officials have sealed off all related products and conducted disinfection. All 59 individuals who had close contact with the product have undergone COVID-19 tests. So far, 23 people have tested negative while others are awaiting results.