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

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.”