Coronavirus prompts Beijing residential lockdown as millions return to work

Beijing has stepped up efforts to combat coronavirus as millions return to the capital after Lunar New Year holiday

The city, which is home to more than 20 million people, has reported more than 330 confirmed virus infections to date

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Two security guards wear masks at the entrance to a residential building at the central business area in downtown Beijing. Photo: SCMP

Published: 6:30pm, 10 Feb 2020Updated: 4:40pm, 14 Feb 2020

China’s capital Beijing has escalated measures to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus by ordering residential communities and villages to limit access for outsiders, as millions of workers return to the megacity after prolonged holidays.

In a 10-point circular published on Sunday, Beijing’s municipal authority ordered that check points be established to examine body temperatures and only residents’ vehicles be allowed into each community. A complete lockdown could be imposed on the area if a confirmed coronavirus case was discovered.

“As our city is facing the peak period of returning population, epidemic prevention is now at a critical stage,” the circular said.

Beijing is one of China’s most at-risk cities from the coronavirus outbreak as millions are pouring in from extended Lunar New Year holidays. On Monday alone, some 600,000 were expected to arrive in the city by train and another 140,000 by air, according to government estimates, posing a serious challenge to authorities.

The capital, which is home to more than 20 million people, had reported at least 337 confirmed novel coronavirus cases and 207 suspected cases as of Monday afternoon.

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