Photo:VCG

Beijing has strengthened epidemic control and prevention measures by tightening its management on tourists entering and departing from the city amid the recent COVID-19 resurgence. The latest outbreaks have caused more than 300 infections in at least 27 cities in 18 provinces. 

Two residential compounds in Beijing's Fangshan district have been locked down since Sunday morning. Three residents from one family at the district tested positive for COVID-19 after returning from a trip to Zhangjiajie in Central China's Hunan Province, local health authority announced on Sunday afternoon.  

Zhangjiajie has become a key point of the recent resurgence of the COVID-19 epidemic spreading across China following spillover cases from Nanjing in East China's Jiangsu Province to the city.

The three residents in Beijing, including two confirmed cases and an asymptomatic case, have been transferred to a designated hospital for treatment. 16 close contacts of them have been put under quarantine. 

About 6,000 samples have been collected from Fangshan district for nucleic acid testing, and more than 500 people living near the infected family tested negative as of Sunday afternoon.

On Sunday, Beijing health authority announced to implement stricter measures such as limiting passenger flow, taking temperature tests, checking health codes and making sure everyone wear a mask in public venues such as parks, scenic spots, shopping malls, supermarkets, movie theaters, hotels, and transportation stations and hubs. 

Meanwhile, epidemic control measures will be upgraded at Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport with strict restrictions on people from medium- and high-risk areas entering Beijing. 

People from areas where COVID-19 infections have been reported are also limited from entering Beijing. Flights, trains and long-distance coaches from these areas to Beijing have been suspended.

The authority advised local residents not to leave the city or travel to medium- and high-risk areas or popular tourist attractions. 

Most people travel a lot in summer, but epidemic prevention and control cannot be relaxed, the capital's health commission said in the statement on Sunday. 

Global Times