Beijing authorities respond to health code concerns

Beijing will further improve the city's epidemic control and prevention measures and optimize services for people who need to exit and return to the city, a senior official said at a news conference held Monday afternoon.

"Facing inquires and worries from residents who encounter difficulties returning to the capital due to control and prevention regulations, the government will improve the service mechanism and expand emergency channels for people who need to enter the capital for medical services or important business, as well as people whose family members are in critical condition," said Xu Hejian, spokesperson of the municipal government.

In recent days, many have complained they have been blocked from entering Beijing after they received a risk alert from Beijing Jiankangbao - a mobile-based app used to check health codes.

Li Yuan, a businessman who hadn't been to any high- or medium-risk areas, got a risk alert during a business trip to Hangzhou, Zhejiang province and found he was unable to buy a ticket back.

Such complaints have attracted widespread attention and the authority said people who have any problems returning can call the hotline at 12345 to report their situation.

"Their request will be replied to and solved in time," Xu added.