Beijing, China's capital city, reported an increase in Covid cases over the weekend, warning that more might be discovered because the virus had gone unnoticed in the city for a week.
On Monday, the city of Chaoyang's business sector began three days of mass testing for anybody living or working in the area.
The rise in instances in Beijing is due to mainland China's economic growth. China is dealing with its worst Covid outbreak since early 2020, and much of Shanghai, the country's largest metropolis, is still under lockdown.
BEIJING (Xinhua) — Over the weekend, Beijing, China's capital, issued a warning that Covid had been spreading unnoticed throughout the city for a week and that more instances will be discovered with further inquiry.
On Monday, the city of Chaoyang's main commercial district began three days of mass testing for anyone living or working in the area, which is home to several embassies and foreign enterprises. The district was responsible for the majority of Beijing's 42 new Covid cases reported since Friday.
In Beijing, only specified apartment complexes have been secured. Schools are mainly open, but all in-person group activities and training classes, including arts and sports, have been halted by the Chaoyang commercial district.
All restaurants, entertainment venues, indoor gyms, and non-essential enterprises in a limited section of the district one metro station south of the main commercial center will close as of Monday morning. According to state media, local authorities advised that inhabitants in the impacted area should normally work from home and only go out if absolutely essential.
The rising cases in Beijing coincided with the largest Covid epidemic in mainland China since early 2020. To combat outbreaks of the virus, the country has adhered to a strict zero-Covid policy that includes quick lockdowns, quarantines, and travel restrictions.
Most of Shanghai, China’s largest city, remains under prolonged lockdown and reported more than 100 new Covid-related deaths since Friday.
Nationwide, Shanghai by far accounted for the most Covid cases, reporting for Sunday more than 2,400 cases with symptoms and more than 16,900 without.
According to Wind Information, Beijing and Shanghai are among China's 10 greatest provincial-level regions in terms of GDP. Beijing's economy grew by 4.8 percent in the first quarter, matching the national average, but Shanghai's grew by 3.1 percent as targeted lockdowns increased in March, according to the statistics.
Workers in the service industry in Beijing's Chaoyang business district who are affected by the latest batch of cases can receive 100 yuan ($15.38) each day for a maximum of 21 days, according to municipal authorities.
Locals reportedly rushed to stock up on food after hearing about the increase in instances and mass testing.
