2 million people to be tested for coronavirus in one of Beijing districts before the start of the Olympics

Fengtai district in the Chinese capital is undergoing mass testing of residents for COVID-19, transmits Associated Press. Residents are not allowed to leave the city for the duration of the inspection. Testing began after 25 cases of coronavirus infection were detected in Fengtai. Also, 14 more infected were found in other areas of Beijing, where the Olympic Games will soon begin.

About two million people living in Fengtai, which is considered a high-risk area for contracting COVID-19, must pass the coronavirus test. On January 23, despite the freezing weather, residents of the area lined up outside to get tested.

The Beijing Winter Olympics will begin on February 4. In this regard, the Chinese authorities have announced a policy of “zero tolerance” for the coronavirus. Chinese officials say they are ready to “take the most decisive and strict measures to break the chain of transmission of the virus.”

So, more than 1,200 people were tested at a school attended by one student with an asymptomatic case of infection with the “delta” strain of coronavirus. Swabs were taken from each test participant from the nose, mouth and anus, writes The South China Morning Post.

Foreigners arriving in the country for the Olympics are also subjected to mass testing. From January 4 to 22, 2586 members of delegations arrived in China, including 171 athletes and officials, as well as 2415 guests of other categories. Among the latter, 72 people infected with coronavirus were identified. informs Beijing Winter Olympics website.

39 cases of infection were detected at the airport, and 33 – in the so-called “closed bubbles”: these are strictly defined areas where athletes and other members of delegations who arrived in Beijing will live. Movement within these “bubbles” is strictly regulated, and going beyond them is not provided, writes RBC. This is done to ensure the safe conduct of competitions in a pandemic. Competitors will only be able to move between Games-related facilities for training, competition and work.