NEW DELHI: Many auto part packaging samples have tested positive for the novel coronavirus in various parts of China; media reports said.

According to COVID-19 prevention and control office in Jincheng, north China's Shanxi Province, the local center for disease control and prevention detected the virus on auto tire packaging.

A statement by the headquarters said three batches of auto parts from the company where a confirmed case was reported were distributed to three 4S stores in Hohhot.

One of the stores was later found to have the packaging samples that tested positive.

All three stores have been locked down and the related auto parts sealed. The personnel who came in close contact with the goods have been quarantined and have so far tested negative.

Three other positive samples taken from auto part packaging were found in the city of Cangzhou in Hebei Province, and Yantai and Linyi in Shandong Province, according to local authorities.

Pertinent to mention COVID-19 caseload rises to 87,150 with 82,105 recoveries and 4,634 deaths.