Lockdown measures were imposed in parts of Beijing on Saturday in an attempt to prevent the spread of a coronavirus from a new, locally-transmitted cluster.
In China, believed to be the source of the global coronavirus outbreak, strict lockdown measures helped eliminate transmission within its borders.
On Thursday, however, Beijing authorities reported the city’s first locally transmitted infections in nearly two months, adding that at least 50 more infections were traced back to the large Xinfadi meat and vegetable market, which supplies much of the city with its food.
Officials said 45 of the infected were workers at the market, though none were showing symptoms.
Authorities told residents in 11 residential estates to remain at home. Mass testing was ordered and a “wartime mechanism” that put hundreds of police officers on the streets was activated.
School reopenings for first through third graders, planned for Monday, have also been delayed. Scheduled athletic events have been suspended.
Local media reported that Beijing’s National Center for the Performing Arts, which had just reopened on June 2, once again closed its doors.
