Beijing Lockdown Expansion or Easing... Labor Day Holiday 'One Week' Is the Turning Point

Labor Day Holiday Seen as a Critical Turning Point for Strengthening Quarantine Measures

Residential Complex Surrounded by Wire Mesh in Beijing [Image Source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Nayeon] As the spread of COVID-19 infections continues in Beijing, the capital of China, there are concerns that the Labor Day holiday (April 30 to May 4) will be a critical turning point for whether quarantine measures will be strengthened.

According to the National Health Commission of China (NHC) on the 1st, a total of 8,256 new infections (including 7,340 asymptomatic cases) were reported in mainland China in one day.

Although the nationwide new infections fell below 10,000, showing a downward trend, Beijing recorded 59 new infections (including 6 asymptomatic cases) on April 30, maintaining double digits since April 23.

The number of confirmed cases in Beijing has exceeded 300, with daily counts since the first school-related outbreak was confirmed on the 22nd of last month as follows: 6 on the 22nd, 22 on the 23rd, 19 on the 24th, 33 on the 25th, 34 on the 26th, 50 on the 27th, 49 on the 28th, 54 on the 29th, and 59 on the 30th.

Among these, Beijing designated some areas in Chaoyang District, where the highest number of confirmed cases were reported, as controlled and restricted zones starting from the 25th of last month, and has gradually expanded the lockdown areas within Chaoyang District.

In addition, Beijing authorities have repeatedly conducted polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests on most of the over 20 million residents, and during the Labor Day holiday period from May 1 to 4, all restaurants were banned from dine-in service, allowing only delivery and takeout.

Parks and tourist sites in Beijing are limited to 50% of their capacity, and Universal Studios, a new attraction in Beijing since its opening last year, has been temporarily closed.

Furthermore, starting from the 5th, Beijing requires residents to present a negative PCR test result obtained within the past 7 days when entering public places or using public transportation.

Also, the Beijing Municipal Education Commission advanced the Labor Day holiday for all elementary, middle, high schools, and secondary vocational schools in the city by one day, starting from April 29, and plans to decide on the resumption of in-person classes based on the COVID-19 situation.

Meanwhile, as the number of confirmed cases continues to rise in Beijing, there is growing interest in whether a full city lockdown similar to Shanghai’s will be implemented.

Since March 28, Shanghai has been under a de facto full lockdown, and on the 30th of last month, 7,872 new infections (including 7,084 asymptomatic cases) were reported in one day.

Shanghai’s quarantine authorities stated that among the 788 symptomatic cases on April 30, 683 were cases converted from asymptomatic infections and had been included in previous counts, and that the net increase of 7,189 new infections on the 30th were all cases detected within the lockdown zones.

Although the overall new confirmed cases in Shanghai appear to have peaked, the 38 COVID-19 related deaths reported nationwide on the 30th were all from Shanghai, indicating that casualties from mass infections continue.

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