It also restricted residents from one area of the city to their homes, raising concerns about a larger Shanghai lockdown. Although only 70 cases have been reported in the city of over 21 million people since Friday's new outbreak, authorities have taken strict measures to stop the spread of the virus.
Many residents worked from their homes and stocked up on food to avoid being locked in an indoor environment. This has been the case in many cities, including Shanghai, which is a financial center. As the omicron variant spreads throughout the country, lockdowns were also initiated in Dandong and Anyang in central China.
Shanghai, which was locked down for over two weeks, reported more that 19,000 new infections, 51 deaths, and a total of 138 deaths during the last 24-hour period. This brings the death toll from the ongoing epidemic to 138.
In central Beijing, long lines formed at supermarkets. While shoppers snapped up noodles, rice, and vegetables, store workers rushed to restock empty shelves. According to state media, supplies were still plentiful despite the surge in purchases.
The shoppers seemed concerned, but not panicked. One woman carrying two bags of vegetables and eggs, as well as frozen dumplings, stated that she was purchasing a little more than usual. A man stated that he wasn't concerned, but was being cautious because he has a 2-year old daughter.
Beijing health officials announced that 29 additional cases were identified between 4 p.m. Monday and Friday, bringing the total to 70 since Friday.
Mass testing was ordered by the city in Chaoyang, where 46 cases were found. On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, the city will test Chaoyang's 3.5 million residents as well as those who work in the area.
Test sites were set up in the morning and night at various residential and commercial buildings throughout the district.
Gao Haiyang said, "I think Beijing should not be trouble," as he waited to take a COVID-19 exam. Based on previous responses from my community, I believe supply can be assured if there is an emergency. We also learned lessons from other cities. "I believe we can make great preparations."
Shanghai is under tight lockdown, which has forced residents to come together to order food through group buying. The port of Shanghai has been impacted by goods backlogs, which have affected supplies and factory production and put a halt to economic growth.
Beijing ordered residents to be locked down in an area of about 1 to 2 miles. They were told to work from home and remain in their homes. Although it was not a complete lockdown, stores continued to be open. However, cinemas and other entertainment venues were closed.
Other areas were also closed by the city, including five residential complexes, and others that were taken down on Sunday.
