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A New Coronavirus Spike in Beijing Caused the Cancellation of Over 1,200 Flights

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by Eben Diskin Jun 18, 2020

A recent outbreak of the coronavirus in Beijing, China, shows just how quickly a resurgence can happen, and how swiftly measures must be put into place to contain it.

After 57 days without a locally transmitted case in the Chinese capital, a new spike in cases was recorded with a total of 158 infections reported since June 11, explained Reuters.

The origin of the spike has been linked to the Xinfadi food center that is said to supply 80 percent of Beijing’s meat and vegetables. In the wake of the outbreak, the food center has been shut down, at least 100 people are in quarantine, and the city has returned to a level-two alert.

According to Reuters, “Residents of 32 neighborhoods designated medium-risk and one area deemed high-risk have been barred from leaving the city, while residents of low-risk areas must show proof of negative disease tests in order to leave the city.” Hundreds of thousands of Beijing residents have been tested in the past few days.

Over 1,200 flights to and from Beijing’s two airports were canceled on Wednesday, and railway services have been suspended until July 9.

People attempting to enter Beijing must be tested and isolated in quarantine facilities. Similarly, some provinces and cities are quarantining travelers from Beijing upon arrival.

In light of the quick containment measures, Wu Zunyou, the chief epidemiologist of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, believes the outbreak has been quelled. He told Reuters, “The epidemic in Beijing has been brought under control. When I say that it’s under control, that doesn’t mean the number of cases will turn zero tomorrow or the day after. The trend will persist for a period of time, but the number of cases will decrease, just like the trend that we saw (in Beijing) in January and February.”

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