Beijing urged its residents to not leave the city and closed schools again as authorities scramble to contain a “severe” new coronavirus outbreak in the city of 21 million people, AFP reported.

The coronavirus resurgence — believed to have started in the capital's sprawling Xinfadi wholesale food market — has prompted alarm as China had largely brought its outbreak under control through mass testing and draconian lockdowns.

Fearing that progress could unravel, authorities locked down several residential areas and announced new restrictions, with group sports banned, people ordered to wear masks in crowded enclosed spaces, and inter-provincial group tours suspended.