Beijing has entered the mop-up phase after the latest outbreak of COVID-19, Beijing government spokesperson said at a news conference on Saturday. Students in Beijing are also expected to return to school in the near future provided there is no resurgence of the virus, according to officials.

Beijing reported 12 infections from 12 am to 3 pm Saturday, all detected within quarantined persons, with no cases found through community screenings.

A total of 1,812 infections have been reported in Beijing since the current round of the outbreak began on April 22. 1,442 have been cured and 378 are currently receiving treatment in hospitals. 

The number of daily infections in Beijing has continued to decline, with the number of cured cases far higher than the number of new infections, Beijing government spokesperson Xu Hejian said, noting that the latest round of outbreak has entered its mop-up phase.

Officials also reminded residents that they should not lower their guard as there are still scattered cases found communities.

Residents have been asked not to leave Beijing during the Dragon Boat Festival holiday unless it’s essential, not to visit medium- and high-risk areas for COVID-19, and not to gather for meals or parties.

In addition, small businesses and employees affected by the outbreak will receive government subsidies, officials confirmed.

Chaoyang district, the district with the most reported infections throughout this round of outbreak, announced that it will provide support to employees of service-based businesses that have suspended operations, and provide certain living allowances and lost-work subsidies for members of the public who contracted COVID-19 in business establishments.

Chaoyang district began mass remote work on May 5, which extended until May 30. 

Students who have been home-based and taking classes online since the outbreak began are also expected to return to campuses in the near future.

"The return to school will start as soon as possible after gaokao, China’s college entrance exams, if the situation of the epidemic is relatively under control," Li Yi, a spokesperson for the Beijing Municipal Education Commission, said on a radio program Friday. "The resumption of classes for grade-9 students will be prioritized. If conditions permit, the simultaneous resumption of classes for all grades of middle school, elementary school and kindergarten will not be ruled out either."

Beijing's 2022 gaokao will be held from June 7 to 10.

Global Times