How Travel, Venues, and Schools Will Be Affected by the Outbreak

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After the third consecutive day of new confirmed COVID-19 cases in the capital, the Beijing Municipal Committee has updated a new set of restrictions and regulations to help strengthen the city's response and prevention of the further spread of the virus.

So far, we've seen various control measures taken by the government and businesses on account of Saturday's large-scale outbreak at the Xinfadi wholesale food market. Below we attempt to distill the changes that we've seen so far. With the number of infections still growing, and the fact that the cause and origin of the outbreak remain unknown, we can assume that these regulations will change over the coming days.
Travel

Currently, several areas in Fengtai District and the Xinfadi market have been upgraded to high-risk areas, while some parts of Xicheng District are now considered medium-risk. However, there has been no official notice on whether Beijingers can freely travel outside of Beijing without needing to quarantine once they reach their destination. Depending on how the situation develops, and with Dragon Boat Festival rapidly approaching next weekend, this will continue to be the question on everybody's minds but without any central directive it may be that we see individual provinces take measures into their own hands.

SchoolsThe biggest news for schools is that students are not required to attend classes and can instead opt to study at home, according to the Beijing Municipal Education Commission. Also, the school term will end 14 days prior to high school and college entrance examinations.

As for other prevention and control measures, teachers, students, and staff are all required to have their temperature checked upon entering the school. Masks must be worn throughout the campus and during class. Student dining times should be staggered and they should maintain a one-meter distance while lining up for food. Chairs, tables, and floors must be sterilized regularly and rooms must be properly ventilated.

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Dining

On Saturday, Beijing Dining and Catering Prevention and Control Administration announced that they were returning to "second-level control measures." That basically means that to enter a restaurant, diners must once again have their temperature checked and a clean Beijing Health Kit status. Additionally, strict density controls will also be reinstated with customers needing to maintain a one-meter distance. It will be interesting to see how rigorously enforced these are.

In terms of menus, don't expect to eat salmon (and other seafood) any time soon and we may see a rise in prices on some fruit, vegetables, and meat – a knock-on effect of Xinfadi supplying the city with a whopping 90 percent of its fresh produces.GymsAs of Jun 13, gyms in Fengtai District have been temporarily closed, along with the underground gyms, swimming pools, and shower areas across the city. The Beijing Municipal Sports Bureau has also issued new requirements for prevention and control similar to those that had been in place up until Jun 6.
Tourist attractions

Lama Temple and the National Center for the Performing Arts of China issued announcements on Jun 13 that they have temporarily suspended opening tours to the public. Lama Temple had only just reopened last Wednesday, and those visitors who made reservations online can apply for a refund. The NCPA, meanwhile, has canceled all events in June and an updated schedule will be released accordingly. So far, there have been no other announcements from the capital's main tourist attractions.

CinemasThe outbreak means another hit to an already ailing film industry in China, with cinemas, KTVs, and other indoor entertainment venues told to remain shut temporarily. If and when cinemas finally open, it may be that there aren't many to even choose from given that 2,300 closed in the first two months of the pandemic alone.

Image: TDM (via Facebook)

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