Travelers Require Testing and Nightlife Restricted as Beijing Fights Off Second Wave of COVID-19

Beijing is doubtlessly feeling the effects of the new series of infections that originated in Fengtai district markets. Already, a portion of the city’s residents have been forced to cancel their Dragon Boat Festival plans as multiple provinces restrict travel from high- and medium-risk areas. Also as of today, all people leaving Beijing by train are required to provide proof of a negative nucleic acid test within seven days of travel, according to Beijing Daily.

Now, airlines have responded to the decline in demand by canceling nearly 1,000 inbound and outbound Beijing flights, according to China Daily. Trains will remain in operation, but passengers will be allowed to cancel and refund their tickets without charge. (If you still insist on traveling, find our list of where to get tested here.)

Meanwhile, the virus continues to spread, threatening a second wave that the city desperately wants to avoid. Beijing reported 31 new confirmed domestic cases on Tuesday, including six asymptomatic cases.

In response, parts of Beijing are seeing renewed restrictions, with a number of events being forced to cancel and Sanlitun bars becoming a particular target. A number of bars in the area have temporarily closed, including Paddy O'Shea's, La Social, and De Refter, while other bars and restaurants in Nali Patio and Courtyard 4 have been forced to wrap up business by 10pm for the time being. Some venues report that they are allowed to serve customers that dine-in, but may not seat customers who only order drinks. The Local Bar & Grill reported on their official WeChat account that they have been instructed not to serve cocktails or hard liquor while Jing-A Xingfucun will close at 10pm and cannot serve alcohol after 9pm. Additionally, Camera Stylo in Dongcheng has closed for the time being.

These new restrictions follow reports of several Shunyi-located restaurants being forced to close yesterday while staff underwent mass testing and sanitary conditions were checked by the Center for Disease Control.

At a city press conference on Wednesday, Jun 17, officials announced that all restaurant personnel must be tested for the virus within 48 hours beginning midnight the previous night. Diners are advised to avoid eating out prior to that period.

Additionally, a number of cultural sites such as Lama Temple have also closed after recently reopening, and cinemas and other indoor entertainment venues remain shuttered. Schools too have been affected as the Municipal Education Commission released a notice that all primary and secondary schools, universities, and kindergartens in Beijing must close and all on-campus events must be canceled, effective immediately. High school seniors, meanwhile, are watching closely for another gaokao delay, but no news related to the already twice-delayed exam has surfaced thus far.

READ: Hot & Spicy 2020 Postponed in Light of Latest COVID-19 Outbreak

Images: gov.cn