Beijing has reported a record 36 new cases of Covid-19 in China’s capital, all linked to a major food wholesale market, raising concerns about the spike in a country that had sharply reduced its infections.

The city has ordered testing of anyone linked to the Xinfadi market, after the district containing the market put itself on a “wartime” footing and Beijing banned tourism and sports events amid fears of a new wave of the pandemic in the country where it arose last year.

A police officer wearing a face mask is seen outside an entrance of the Xinfadi wholesale market, which has been closed for business after new coronavirus infections were detected. — Reuters
A police officer wearing a face mask is seen outside an entrance of the Xinfadi wholesale market, which has been closed for business after new coronavirus infections were detected. — Reuters

“Beijing has entered an extraordinary period,” Reuters quoted city spokesman Xu Hejian as saying.

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