China declares martial law on city after new ‘cluster’ outbreak
China has declared martial law in Baoding, a city near Beijing where there is a new “cluster” outbreak in wholesale markets, while residents of 10 cities on the mainland have been told to avoid travelling to the capital. Baoding, based in Hebei province, is about 145 kilometres southwest of Beijing and has a population of 11 million.
“Baoding is close to Beijing, and goods and people constantly go back and forth between the two cities. Now, we have to put in place advanced surveillance measures,” a statement from the provincial authorities said.
Baoding authorities are monitoring 11 communities in the city and are offering free Covid-19 tests to people who have been to the Xinfadi market since May 30.
Meanwhile, residents of at least 10 cities in China, including Harbin and Dalian, have been told to avoid travelling to Beijing, and if travel to the capital cannot be avoided, then to inform the authorities.
At least 49 new Covid-19 cases were reported in China on Monday (July 15), 36 of whom were Beijing residents who had visited Xinfadi market.
