The city of Beijing reportedly went into ’emergency’ after the discovery of five new coronavirus cases in the northern Shunyi district, near Beijing International Airport.
A sixth case is possible but not officially confirmed.
‘There have been many sporadic outbreaks. The epidemic control situation is very serious. All districts, all agencies and units must enter a state of emergency and fight … with more resolution and stricter rules to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, ‘a Beijing municipal government spokesman said on Sunday, as quoted by the South China Morning Post (SCMP).
These emergency response measures allegedly included stricter mask requirements, public testing of the coronavirus, travel restrictions and quarantine in the areas where infections were reported. More than a million residents of the city were apparently tested on Saturday alone. Some public attractions have been shut down or instructed to operate at a lower capacity until after New Year’s Day, and schools may also be closed.
‘Who organizes tours is responsible for managing and implementing the rules for controlling epidemics. “Travel agencies need or control the size of group tours leaving and entering Beijing, conduct risk assessments and compile all emergency response protocols,” said an official from the city office of culture and tourism.
Reuters noted Sunday was the fourth consecutive day of new virus reports in Beijing, including at least one person who traveled to another city and was diagnosed there.
‘China has largely brought the coronavirus under control, but in a small number of cities sporadic cases recur. Authorities plan to vaccinate 50 million people in high-risk groups ahead of the week-long lunar New Year holiday from February 11, “Reuters wrote, quoting Chinese state media.
Beijing officials ask residents to limit travel and public gatherings until after the new lunar year, a major holiday in China that is normally offered extended trip for holidays and family gatherings.
The SCMP report considerable unhappiness about the “emergency response mode” restrictions among Beijing residents, especially those who cannot work easily from home. The pandemic exacerbated the already unbearable commuter situation in Beijing, as well as increasing the effort to earn enough money to live in the expensive city. Many disgruntled residents have noted that the latest outbreak of coronavirus infections includes people who have had long commute levels above and beyond the arduous hours to recover.
The Chinese army of sensors of the Chinese Communist Party quickly removed many problems online. The SCMP noted that one previously popular hashtag to complain about the Beijing situation on Weibo, the Chinese version of Twitter, showed absolutely no messages on Monday.
Beijing, and other major Chinese cities, have reported some previous “increases” of the coronavirus after China allegedly eradicated the Chinese coronavirus six months ago. An outbreak in June involving about a hundred cases comparable statements about emergency responses and “wartime” measures.