Diarrhea is not necessarily the result of a novel coronavirus infection. Current case data show that diarrhea is one of the symptoms of novel coronavirus infection, but it is not common. Because the symptoms of diarrhea caused by various viral infections are very similar, this symptom alone does not confirm a diagnosis of novel coronavirus infection. People with a history of epidemiologic exposure who develop mild diarrhea symptoms should not rush to the fever clinic for testing first, but are advised to isolate themselves at home for observation. If symptoms such as fever, dry cough, general malaise and respiratory distress develop in the subsequent period, further testing at the fever clinics in each region is warranted.