CHINA'S CAPITAL BEIJING REPORTS NEW CASES OF COVID-19, GOVT LOCKS DOWN RESIDENTIAL AREAS - SITUATION 'EXTREMELY SEVERE', SAY REPORTS!

As global cases of coronavirus surpassed 8 million, and killed more than 4.36 people, the current situation in China's capital is "extremely severe".

As per a China's city official, 27 new infections were reported from Beijing where a new cluster has sparked a huge trace-and-test programme. With this new rise, the deadly virus is believed to have started at the sprawling Xinfadi wholesale food market in the capital.

This new rise has sparked an alarm as China had largely brought its outbreak under control through mass testing and lockdowns imposed earlier last month. Meanwhile, Beijing city spokesman Xu Hejian said that "the epidemic situation in the capital is extremely severe." 

Also, the number of confirmed infections in Beijing has risen to 106, after which authorities locked down almost 30 communities in the city and tested tens of thousands of people.

Currently, the World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concern about the rise in cases. They also spoke about Beijing's size and connectivity that can lead to higher risk. Officials in Beijing, have said they will test stall owners and managers at all of the city's food markets, restaurants and government canteens.

However, the transport commission has banned taxi- and ride-hailing services from driving out of the city in a move to try and contain the new outbreak. Even, all indoor sports and entertainment venues in Beijing have been ordered to be shut.