Beijing organizing nucleic acid tests for 90,000 residents

Beijing reported 36 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of Sunday, with 34 of them having close contact with the recently closed Xinfadi agricultural products wholesale market in Fengtai district, senior officials said at a news conference on Monday.

The newly confirmed cases involved 25 males and 11 females, according to Pang Xinghuo, deputy director of the Beijing center for disease control and prevention.

All were sent to designated hospitals for treatment. 

"So far, all the confirmed cases have connections with Xinfadi market. We remind people that if you have been to the Xinfadi market recently, please stay at home and maintain social distancing from other people," she said. "Also, it's necessary to report your health condition to the communities and be tested for coronavirus. It's also of great importance to do self-protection."

She said that residents who notice any symptoms should go to the nearest hospital for treatment wearing a mask. Use of public transportation is not advisable, she said. 

Xu Ying, a member of Beijing's leading group against the coronavirus, said at the news conference that nearly 100,000 social workers in 7,120 communities have been actively involved in the work of fighting against COVID-19.

Approximately 200,000 people who visited Xinfadi market since May 30 have been interviewed via calls, field checks and other ways, and they are in the process of being tested, he said.

He said that 11 communities neighboring Xinfadi in Fengtai district and 10 communities around Yuquandong market in Haidian district have been closed while tests for 90,000 residents are in process. 

"Communities have arranged volunteers to send meals to the residents and help them buy goods. Communities are also responsible for the psychological counseling of their residents," he said.