Beijing cancels flights and shuts schools after spike in COVID-19 cases

AFP

More than 1,200 domestic flights have been cancelled in Beijing as authorities rush to contain a new coronavirus outbreak linked to a wholesale food market.

Health officials recorded 31 new cases on Tuesday, taking the tally to 137 since the outbreak was detected on Thursday.

Authorities have raised the city to a "level two" alert, just 10 days after lowering it to a level three under the four-tier COVID-19 response system.

Some 27 neighbourhoods have been designated as medium-risk areas and one near the market marked high-risk, with residents quarantined and required to undergo tests.

Movement of people in and out of the city have been restricted with schools suspended.

Meanwhile, the city's roads and highways remain open, and companies and factories continue to operate as normal.

More from International news

News

  • Gargash: UAE could join US-led effort to secure Strait of Hormuz

    The United Arab Emirates could take part in a US-led effort to safeguard shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed said, though he added no formal plan had been agreed and discussions were ongoing.

  • UAE President, Indian PM discuss regional developments

    UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received a phone call on Tuesday from India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during which they discussed developments in the region amid escalating military action.

  • UAE sends urgent medical aid to Gaza

    The United Arab Emirates has dispatched an urgent shipment of medicines and medical supplies to the Gaza Strip as part of its ongoing humanitarian efforts under "Operation Chivalrous Knight 3".