Beijing has swiftly expanded its Covid-19 mass testing from one district thi to most of the city of nearly 22 million, adding to expectations of an imminent lockdown similar to Shanghai’s.

Three rounds of PCR tests will be conducted from Tuesday to Saturday in the districts Dongcheng, Xicheng, Haidian, Fengtai, Shijingshan, Fangshan, Tongzhou, Shunyi, Changping, Daxing, as well as the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area. The city on Monday locked down parts of the Chaoyang district, home to many expatriates, most foreign embassies and the central business districts.

Authorities have designated Chaoyang District’s Songyuli Community as high risk, as well as six areas in Chaoyang and Fangshan districts as medium risk. Residents in the affected communities must stay at home. Essential businesses such as groceries and pharmacies may open with operating and capacity limits. Gatherings are banned.

Additionally, Beijing is maintaining entry requirements from other parts of China. Officials will likely continue to suspend flights and ticket sales for travel from cities regarded as high- or medium-risk areas. Entrants must take a COVID-19 test within 48 hours before departure and have a «green» code on the city’s health tracking app. Travelers must also undergo a COVID-19 nucleic test within 72 hours of arrival in Beijing. Entrants to the city cannot go to restaurants, gatherings, and crowded locations for seven days. Officials have also banned interprovincial group tourism with Beijing.

Increased health screenings are likely at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), and other passenger transport hubs throughout Beijing. Authorities previously suspended more than 200 inter-provincial bus services with the capital, and ground transport disruptions are likely to continue. Officials could introduce a departure ban or long-distance travel controls in Beijing at short notice.

Follow all official instructions. Confirm travel reservations to, from, and in Beijing.