Some packaging samples from frozen South American shrimps tested positive for the novel coronavirus at a farmer's market in Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi province, local health authorities said on Thursday.

The local disease control and prevention department reported at 9 pm on Wednesday in a weekly routine sampling and testing of agricultural markets in Xi'an, some samples from imported frozen shrimp from Ecuador tested positive at Fangxin Frozen Non-staple Food Wholesale Market in the west of Xi'an.

At present, detection and quarantine for the external environment and vendors is underway. More details will be forthcoming from the Xi'an municipal government, according to a statement by local health authorities late Thursday.