Strict measures to curb virus spread

The region reported 53 locally transmitted COVID-19 cases and 383 asymptomatic cases on Saturday, according to the regional health commission.

"In the past two days, we have seen a rapid increase of infections due to the highly transmissible nature of the Omicron subvariant, which were caused by hidden transmission before the infections were detected," said Ma Hemu, an expert with the region's disease control and prevention center.

"There are also some other existing problems, such as the inaccurate division of risk areas, shortage of staff members in community prevention and control work, improper processes during nucleic acid sample collection, disinfection, sample transportation and disposal of medical waste."

Beijing has reported 39 COVID-19 infections since Sept 29 as of Sunday afternoon, according to the Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control.

Liu Xiaofeng, deputy director of the center, said at a news conference on Saturday, that the cases involved 10 transmission chains in eight districts in the city.

Some people who returned to the capital after holiday trips failed to follow required measures, which added to the difficulty of current epidemic control and prevention work, the center said.

"The 10 transmission chains are all independent, and three transmission chains have reported zero new cases for at least five days, which means they are under control at present," Liu said.

Liu stressed that people who return to the capital after the holiday should strictly follow epidemic control and prevention measures, which can effectively reduce infection risks.

The Beijing government has asked residents to present a negative nucleic acid test result obtained within 48 hours, as well as a green health code before returning to the capital after the holiday. Upon arrival, nucleic acid tests should be taken twice within three days and recent returnees should not visit crowded places or dine with others for a week.

Those working in Beijing should obtain a 48-hour negative nucleic acid test result before returning to their workplaces.

Du Juan in Beijing contributed to this story.