Beijing Nears 80 COVID-19 Cases... Concerns Over Cluster Infection Spread

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Park Sun-mi] In Beijing, where the number of new COVID-19 cases linked to the large agricultural and aquatic products wholesale market, Xinfadi Market, has been rapidly increasing since the 11th, the total number of confirmed cases discovered so far is approaching 80.

On the 15th, the National Health Commission of China announced that as of midnight, 49 new COVID-19 cases were reported nationwide, with 36 of them coming from Beijing. In Beijing, in addition to the 36 new confirmed cases in one day, 6 asymptomatic infections, classified separately, were also added.

The number of new confirmed cases has been rapidly increasing, starting with 1 case on the 11th, 6 cases on the 12th, 36 cases on the 13th, and 36 cases on the 14th. Currently, a total of 79 COVID-19 patients in Beijing are receiving treatment in hospitals. The number of asymptomatic infections under medical observation, including the newly added 6 cases, totals 7.

Beijing authorities announced that the COVID-19 virus was detected on cutting boards used to cut imported salmon inside Xinfadi Market. They also found that the viral gene sequence detected at Xinfadi Market originated from Europe, stating, "It is tentatively judged to be related to (overseas) importation. It may have spread through contaminated seafood or meat, or through secretions from people entering and exiting the market."

Since the 13th, Beijing has closed Xinfadi Market and imposed lockdown measures on 11 residential complexes near the market. The area near Xinfadi Market in Fengtai District has been elevated to a high-risk area, and 10 areas in 4 districts have been upgraded to medium-risk areas.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.