Beijing's strict epidemic control measures to continue during Dragon Boat Festival

Beijing will continue strict control measures against COVID-19 during the Dragon Boat Festival holiday, which falls on Thursday, senior officials said at a news conference on Tuesday.

Wang Jiequn, vice-director of Beijing's Publicity Department, said activities and events will go online over the holiday to contain the outbreak.

"More than 70 major cultural events, such as a contest on wrapping rice dumplings, will be held," she said.

"The core philosophy of the festival is to pray for health and better times in the future, which features rich knowledge about public health and disease prevention," she said. "The theme of events this year is to promote a healthy lifestyle."

Tourism, also an important part of the festival celebration, will be under strict control during the holiday.

Zhou Weimin, an inspector from the city's Bureau of Culture and Tourism, said at the conference that tourist capacity at Beijing's attractions will be limited at 30 percent.

"Outdoor areas of the attractions will open to visitors while the indoor parts remain closed," he said. "Travel agencies are not allowed to receive visitors from areas of high or medium risks."