Beijing tests food, parcel couriers for coronavirus as city checks widen

NICOLAS ASFOURI / AFP

Food and parcel delivery personnel in Beijing have to undergo special checks as the Chinese city ramps up efforts to rein in the latest coronavirus outbreak.

According to the state-backed Beijing News, the move comes after officials highlighted the risk of contamination through packaging.

Under the new initiative, nucleic acid tests will be carried out on tens of thousands of delivery personnel, with those servicing high-risk areas temporarily taken off duty and quarantined for 14 days. Regular temperature checks for couriers will also be done.

That's not all. Delivery packages will also be checked, and details on disinfection available to the customers.

People working in catering are also being tested after the virus was found on chopping boards used to handle salmon at the Xinfadi market.

So far, the number of cases linked to the market have crossed 200.

More from International

Coming Up on Dubai Eye

  • Extra Time

    7:00pm - 8:00pm

    Chris & Robbie bring you the latest from the sporting world plus interviews with upcoming and legendary sporting stars.

  • The Night Shift with Mark Lloyd

    8:00pm - 11:00pm

    Musicians and music, entertainers and entertainment, industry gossip and songs selected by you, get ready to bring your night time to life! Every evening from eight, Mark Lloyd brings you an energetic mix of local and international content and contests, featuring an array of celebrity interviews and entertaining anecdotes. Get involved in the show and pick your favourite jukebox hits, every night from 8pm - 11pm.

BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST

On Dubai Eye

  • Flying Taxis

    It sounds like an episode of The Jetsons, but the sight of flying taxis whizzing around our cities could be much closer than you think.

  • Tough penalties for deliberate tax evasion

    The UAE has said that tougher penalties will come into force from 1st August for not keeping proper corporate tax records.