While the Winter Olympics must be held in a hundred days in Beijing, China does not want to take any risks.

The Chinese authorities imposed lockdowns on some of the inhabitants of the north of the country on Monday after reporting 39 new Covid patients.

Figures that may seem derisory compared to those recorded daily in other parts of the world.

Among these cases, a majority are related to the movements of a group of contaminated tourists.

A recent outbreak in Inner Mongolia, in the north of the country, has been responsible for more than 100 cases since last week.

The Chinese authorities, which practice a policy of "zero tolerance" towards the virus, reacted swiftly, imposing restrictions and organizing mass screening campaigns in the affected regions.

Wuhan marathon postponed

In Beijing, a marathon was postponed indefinitely "so as to prevent the risk of epidemic transmission", according to the organizers.

Some 30,000 runners were to take part next Sunday.

The Wuhan marathon (Center), which was to have 26,000 participants last Sunday was also canceled at the last moment for the same reasons in this city, the first to be struck by the virus on the surface of the globe.

The Beijing municipality has asked residents to avoid "non-essential" trips outside the capital as well as large-scale gatherings.

Anyone arriving in Beijing from an area where Covid-19 cases have been identified must also test negative, authorities said.

Suspension of organized trips

Police announced Monday the opening of three investigations for alleged non-compliance with health rules.

The new cases of Covid-19 have been mainly recorded in the north of the country, where 11 provinces have launched massive screening tests.

On Sunday, the authorities had already announced the suspension of organized trips to five areas where cases of Covid-19 have been reported, including Beijing.

In Ejin, Inner Mongolia, around 35,000 people were placed in confinement for two weeks as of Monday.

In Gansu (Northwest), buses and taxis have been suspended in Lanzhou, the provincial capital, while tourist sites have been closed.

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  • Covid 19

  • epidemic

  • Mongolia

  • Confinement

  • Coronavirus

  • China

  • Health

  • Beijing