BEIJING, Nov. 11 (BNA): Beijing shut down city parks and imposed other restrictions as the country grapples with a new wave of COVID-19 cases, even as millions of people remained under lockdown Friday in western and southern China.
The country reported 10,729 new cases on Friday, nearly all of whom tested positive while not showing any symptoms, according to the Associated Press.
More than 5 million people were closed on Friday in the southern industrial city of Guangzhou and the western metropolis of Chongqing.
With the bulk of Beijing’s 21 million people undergoing near-daily tests, another 118 new cases have been recorded in the sprawling city.
Many of the city’s schools have switched to online classes, hospitals have restricted services and closed some stores and restaurants, with their staff moved into quarantine.
Lockdowns in Guangzhou and elsewhere were due to end by Sunday, but authorities have repeatedly extended those restrictions without explanation.
On Friday, the government said it has reduced the time incoming passengers will be required to undergo quarantine.
Incoming passengers will only be isolated for five days, instead of the previous seven, at a designated location, followed by three days of isolation at their place of residence, according to a notification from the State Council, China’s cabinet.
Relaxed standards will also be applied to foreign businessmen and athletes, in what appears to be a gradual move toward normalization.
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