China ring-fences Beijing as coronavirus outbreaks continue to swell

The escalating restrictions come after the number of infections in the capital rose persistently over the past few days and are now nearing 40.

Chinese authorities are ring-fencing Beijing against growing Covid-19 outbreaks now permeating more than half the nation’s provinces, seeking to protect the capital as it gears up to host top political leaders next week and the Winter Olympics in less than 100 days.

The country’s state-owned rail operator said on Wednesday they suspended ticket sales for trains departing from 123 stations in 23 locations that reported coronavirus infections. Previously, Beijing’s municipal government all but barred people visiting the city from areas reporting Covid cases.

The escalating restrictions come after the number of infections in the capital rose persistently over the past