Beijing Raises COVID Response to Level 2... All Students Suspend School Attendance

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Park Sun-mi] Beijing has raised its response level from Level 3 to Level 2 to block the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

On the 17th, China's state-run Xinhua News Agency reported that Beijing decided on the previous night to upgrade the COVID-19 response level from Level 3 to Level 2 and immediately implement it.

Chen Bei, Deputy Secretary-General of the Beijing Municipal Government, stated, "We are upgrading Beijing's emergency response level for sudden public health incidents from Level 3 to Level 2," adding, "Currently, the global spread of COVID-19 is difficult to control effectively in a short period. The importation of the virus from overseas remains the greatest risk for Beijing." He also said, "All confirmed cases are related to the Xinfadi Market," and "Based on initial investigations, human-to-human transmission and transmission via objects are suspected."

Starting today, Beijing will suspend in-person attendance for all elementary, middle, and high school students and switch back to online classes. Those intending to leave Beijing must submit a negative nucleic acid test certificate issued within 7 days prior to departure. Entry to indoor venues such as libraries, museums, and art galleries, as well as parks, will be limited to 30% of their capacity. Temperature checks will be conducted at all public places.

Since the 11th, the number of COVID-19 infections related to Xinfadi Market, a large agricultural and aquatic products market in Beijing, has reached 116. Among them, 106 are confirmed COVID-19 cases, and 10 are asymptomatic carriers currently receiving treatment.

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