16 June
Beijing is in a critical situation with coronavirus prevention following the fresh cluster of infections linked to its Xinfadi wholesale market, said Cai Qi, secretary of the Beijing Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), on Monday.
While hosting a meeting with officials from the Chinese capital and National Health Commission, Cai said epidemic prevention and control has to be the top priority and the most urgent task for the city.
Beijing has ordered the inspection of farm produce markets, vegetable markets, dining venues and canteens of government organs on their virus prevention measures and the disinfection of the locations, Cai said.
He emphasized the importance of thorough nucleic acid testing for all individuals who had been to the Xinfadi market and stall owners at markets across the city.
Beijing will also restrict those with a higher risk of contracting the virus from leaving the city, and inform destination cities if such cases have already occurred, according to Cai.
The city will guarantee market supplies to meet residents' daily needs and maintain the stability of prices, he said. Business owners who engage in price gouging will be penalized.
Beijing reported 27 new domestically transmitted cases on Tuesday, bringing the total number of new cases since last week to over 100.
CGTN
