Photo: Li Hao/GT

 
Beijing is facing mounting pressure in its efforts to contain the novel coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) as new confirmed infections surged due to imported infections and cluster outbreaks, while top Chinese leaders said that safeguarding the capital city is as important as combating the deadly virus in epicenter Wuhan, Central China’s Hubei Province. 

Beijing authorities vowed to enhance epidemic prevention and control work, particularly in increasing inspection among people who work in logistics, security and as cleaners, as the city is now facing a severe situation due to both imported cases of infection and clusters of cases as people return to work, according to a press conference held on Thursday morning. 

As part of efforts to contain the further spread of the virus, local authorities announced they would dispatch Communist Party of China (CPC) members and officials from major institutions to cover all the communities in the city and implement all-day inspections, which is also a major measure being taken to control the flow of people. 

After days of zero new infections, Beijing reported 10 new cases of COVID-19 infections on Wednesday, the local health authority said on Thursday, following reports that a confirmed patient left Wuhan and arrived in Beijing amid supposedly strict travel controls in Hubei Province. 

Beijing authorities announced they had launched a thorough investigation of a patient who returned on Saturday from Wuhan to Beijing, and more details will be released later. 

While people questioned whether there are loopholes in city lockdown management in Wuhan and Hubei , which has been highly effective in curbing the virus spread so far, strict inspection measures are also urged for those entering t Beijing, such as the setting up of highway checkpoints. 

As of Thursday, Beijing recorded in total 410 confirmed cases with five deaths, and a total of 2,658 close contacts. 

The coronavirus situation in the capital city is at a critical stage, as safety in Beijing is directly related to the central government’s work, according to a top leader. At this moment, it should remain highly vigilant and avoid having a relaxed mind-set. 

To further prevent imported cases of infection, Beijing also said on Wednesday that all foreigners flying in to Beijing must go through a 14-day self-quarantine.