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Coronavirus: Beijing goes into emergency mode after five new cases recorded

  • New controls introduced in the Chinese capital as the city authorities warn the epidemic control situation is ‘severe’
  • Mass testing carried out in two districts where new Covid-19 cases have been detected

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Residents line up for coronavirus tests at tents set up on the streets of Beijing on Sunday. Photo: AP
Beijing has gone into “emergency response mode” after five more Covid-19 cases were confirmed in the Chinese capital on Saturday.

A further positive case has yet to be officially confirmed because the patient has not yet shown symptoms.

The latest cases all came from the north of the city, in Nanfaxin township in the city’s Shunyi district, near Beijing International Capital Airport.

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Beijing in emergency mode after five new coronavirus cases found in Chinese capital

Beijing in emergency mode after five new coronavirus cases found in Chinese capital

In total, thirteen infections have been detected in Beijing since the first local infection in 152 days was reported on December 18.

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“There have been many sporadic outbreaks. The epidemic control situation is very severe,” a spokesman for the Beijing government said on Sunday.

“All districts, all agencies and units must enter a state of emergency response and fight … with more resolution and stricter rules to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.”

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The city is stepping up its response with stricter implementation of the rules on health declarations, mask wearing and temperature checks in public places, while schools have told parents to prepare for a possible earlier winter holiday.

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