Beijing (AFP)

If the coronavirus epidemic seems to be subsiding in Beijing, the city is worried about a too rapid reappearance of the crowds, which would come to reverse the trend. His solution: limit the number of people in parks, supermarkets and cinemas.

In China, where the Covid-19 disease has killed nearly 2,800 people, the daily number of new infections is down sharply, as most businesses remain closed and people are encouraged to stay at home.

But Beijing does not intend to release the pressure. Because a new focus of infection was again detected this week in the capital, and two additional deaths recorded on Friday.

The authorities have just announced new rules to avoid gatherings or concentrations of people in the city of 21 million inhabitants.

Starting with supermarkets: these must now guarantee a minimum average surface of two square meters per customer. Clearly, a store of 100 square meters can accommodate 50.

A measure that requires buyers to queue at the entrance. And shops to count people inside.

"Those who want to buy something quickly can cool them down," said Jia Hongye, a supermarket worker with the local chain Jingkelong.

In her store, only 12 to 13 people are allowed to shop at the same time, she told AFP.

In front of the boxes, employees put adhesive tapes on the floor, spaced one meter apart, to remind customers to keep their distance.

- Masks and sputum -

At the entrance to another supermarket, the staff distributes access badges to buyers, which they must give at the exit. These passes are then dipped in disinfectant and given to subsequent consumers.

"Only a very small number of people complain" because most customers are now "very aware" of hygiene rules after a month of epidemic, an AFP employee said.

To avoid crowds, the authorities in Beijing have also tightened admission to the parks, especially with the mild spring that returns.

Thursday, that of Beihai, just next to the famous Forbidden City, was thus practically deserted.

"Usually it's very busy here," said Shang Lihua, a 70-year-old lady who usually meets other elderly people here to sing and dance.

With "the situation that is improving", she wanted to come take a look and stretch her legs, a first since the beginning of the epidemic.

The restrictions are "necessary," said Li, 62, a little further. He plagues the handful of visitors not wearing masks or spitting on the ground.

- 'No profit' -

Businesses are under pressure to prevent further contamination, while gradually returning to work.

Cinemas are thus allowed to reopen. But they will only be able to sell places spaced from each other.

Some office or residential buildings now limit the number of people who can use the elevators to five or six.

"Our costs have increased," complains Zhi Yuan, the owner of a hair salon.

To keep customers safe, he uses disposable towels, disinfects the premises every two hours, and wears a surgical mask.

Additional expenses incurred while the number of daily customers is decreasing: it has dropped from 100 in normal times to less than 50 currently.

"We make no profit," laments Zhi Yuan.

Many businesses also have to limit their opening hours, such as the Sanyuanli fresh produce market.

"In our sector, we are on the front line," said AFP Mr. Wu, the director, explaining that the sellers are in contact with potentially infected customers.

"We have a lot of pressure. But it remains bearable because the working hours have been reduced by three hours."

© 2020 AFP