Sanlitun Bars and Restaurants Close for Mass COVID-19 Testing of Staff

Word is trickling in that a number of restaurants and bars in and around Sanlitun are not open today to allow for their staff to receive COVID-19 tests. 

Many if not all of the restaurants in the sprawling Taikoo Li complex have been closed for staff testing; meanwhile Jing-A noted that all of their locations would close for lunch so staff could be tested. It is not clear when the venues will be allowed to reopen after testing or if they must wait for negative test results first.

Malls in Shunyi such as Shine Hills conducted similar tests on Tuesday, setting off a wave of rumors that a case had been discovered there. In reality, no cases have been specifically found there (nor in Sanlitun), but this appears to be a citywide directive to test all F&B staff and clear them of possible infection.

The rationale behind the mass testing of food service workers stems from the fact that the epicenter of the latest outbreak is the massive Xinfadi wholesale market, which some claim is a source of produce for a wide swath of the city’s restaurants. Most F&B venues contacted by the Beijinger indicated that they have either already undergone testing or have been informed that they will need to in short order.

There appears to be a secondary directive for bars to reduce their operating hours, restrict the sale of hard drinks, or remain temporarily closed, with numerous venues reporting that they cannot sell straight liquor or cocktails and must shut at 10pm sharp. While the reason for the crackdown on booze is unclear, coupled with the tightening opening hours it's likely that the authorities want to reduce the propensity for late-night socializing.

For now, we recommend exercising caution when out in groups and call ahead to restaurants to check whether they are open.

READ: A Comprehensive List of Where You Can Get Tested for COVID-19 in Beijing

Images: Asia Times