Photo:VCG

Beijing will require all individuals entering the capital to provide a negative nucleic acid test result taken within 48 hours and a green health code, starting from November 17, amid recent COVID-19 flare-ups that have spread to 21 provincial-level regions, or two thirds of the country, local authorities announced at a Saturday press conference.

The new rules are aimed at minimizing risk during the latest round of resurgence of the coronavirus across the country. The capital confirmed one local COVID-19 case on Saturday, with 47 cases reported nationwide.

Starting November 17, the capital also paused entry for travelers who had been to regions with more than one local confirmed cases were reported within 14 days, officials said. All public venues and transport hubs are required to strictly carry out temperature checks. 

As the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics approaches, Beijing authorities highlighted the strict epidemic prevention and control measures needed to ensure the Games can be held safely and as scheduled from February 4 to February 20, 2022.

We must firmly seize the initiative in epidemic prevention and control and never give up until the epidemic is completely brought under control, one official stressed at the media conference.

In the event of a COVID-19 outbreak, mass nucleic acid testing should be carried out within two days in cities with a population of less than five million, and within three days for cities with the population of more than five million, the National Health Commission suggested on Saturday.

City authorities ordered the cancellation of unnecessary meetings in the capital as part of new measures. Closed-loop management is required during the meetings, and people are not allowed to leave designated zones. 

The China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) this week requested its Beijing-based units conduct nucleic acid testing for all employees, after 111 employees attended meetings in Beijing sharing a conference room with a confirmed COVID-19 case.

As of Thursday, four employees have tested positive, one of whom is related to the four infections amongst a family in the Haidian district, Beijing. CNPC's Beijing company has declared an emergency.

Global Times